What has WALIPP done so far?

Many programs have been born and flowered since the agency’s creation, including mentoring, speaker series and a number of successful community projects. Our most expensive endeavor has been the Senior Residence, which is a 50-unit residence on Scott Street near Southmore Street in Third Ward. The WALIPP Academy was created as a single gender HISD charter school for boys in grades 6-8, now completing its sixth year of operation. In 2007 the Academy was relocated to the campus of Texas Southern University. In 2008 WALIPP applied to the Texas State Board of Education for approval as a state charter school to enable expansion and increased operational funding.

Where are we now?

The WALIPP-TSU Academy has established a strong partnership with the Texas Southern University academic community. We look forward to growing the school’s grade levels (first 9^th grade, then 10^th, etc.) so that our enrolling students will be able to graduate from the Academy and go directly into the college of their choice. In the years of its operation, the Academy has already demonstrated that we are able to educate and groom our boys into strong and respectful members of the community. The WALIPP Senior Residence has also undergone some dramatic change, particularly the transition away from Katrina housing at lower rents and the current renegotiation of our debt service. Retail leases (storefronts on the first floor) are in place to maximize the rental income for the property. Our residential tenants are very complimentary of the facility, which was our first hurdle. Now we are ready to secure the project’s operations and financing for the future.

What is next?

On May 19, 2008 we will celebrate the Academy at our Spring Fundraising Luncheon at the Hotel Zaza, 5701 Main Street. This event is chaired by members of our Board of Directors and community leaders. Underwriting sponsors and table sponsors are invited to join us as we raise funds and visibility for this important program.

Student enrollment for the Academy is open for the 2008-2009 school year in 6^th grade, 7^th grade and 8^th grade classes. Applications are available online and from the WALIPP agency and Academy offices.