Today the online annual report for Team Schools (the Newark branch of KIPP charter schools) launches. We created four videos for the site which tell the stories of students whose lives have been profoundly impacted by TEAM schools.

Each of these students’ stories blew me away. Ibraheem has gone from constantly running out of the classroom and refusing to try to read to now reading on grade level and dreaming of college. Mia realized that she is a good learner, gained her confidence back and grew several grade levels in reading in one year. A’Rianne’s mother took her out of TEAM Academy to attend a public school, but quickly realized she made the wrong choice. Colin overcame serious difficulties in high school but is now succeeding at Rutgers University.

This project has been an absolute dream come true for us. Every time we filmed, there was always a moment when I thought, “I can’t believe how lucky I am to be doing exactly what I love.” Huge thanks to Thomas de Simon and the whole TEAM team for trusting us to tell these stories.

We’ll be sharing more about the production process in the following weeks, but check out the project here and donate to help TEAM open another school in the fall to serve some of the 5,000 students on their waitlist. Every donation is matched.