1991 College graduate Michael Feinberg is known for his work in creating KIPP, an organization that runs over 100 charter schools around the country.
Credit: Courtesy of Creative CommonsThe Lauren & Bobby Turner Social Impact Executive Speaker Series, which just hosted actor Ashton Kutcher, is bringing someone more known for his work in social impact.
In an email invitation sent out Monday, the Wharton Social Impact Initiative announced the speaker series will host 1991 College graduate and co-founder of the Knowledge is Power Program Schools Michael Feinberg.
This also marks the first time the series is hosting two speakers in the same month. In 2012, it had hosted rapper Ludacris in April and actress Eva Longoria in October. Former professional tennis player Andre Agassi came to speak in February 2011, and Earvin “Magic” Johnson in April 2010.
The series has hosted a total of five speakers since it started in 2010.
In a previous interview with The Daily Pennsylvanian, 1984 Wharton graduate Bobby Turner said he purposefully brings in celebrities who are non-traditional names in the field to draw in students who may not otherwise be interested in social impact.
Related: Bobby Turner speaks on Ashton Kutcher choice
Feinberg, however, stands out from the list of recent speakers. After graduating from Penn, Feinberg joined Teach for America and worked as a fifth grade teacher for three years. He started KIPP in 1994 along with Dave Levin.
KIPP is now one of the country’s largest operators of public charter schools — educating over 50,000 children. More than 80 percent of students who attend KIPP go to college. It has expanded greatly since it was founded nearly 20 years ago. It has recently started a new nonprofit where it trains international educators in the KIPP model.
Feinberg’s work with KIPP has garnered him many awards, including the Presidential Citizen’s Medal as well as the Charles Bronfman Prize.
However KIPP schools have been criticized for only being able to achieve success because they have more private money at their disposal.
Related: Penn partners with KIPP schools to expand college access
Feinberg will discuss his model for social entrepreneurship and dealing with the public education system in the United States.
The event will be held Oct. 24 in the Ambani Auditorium in Huntsman Hall. Pre-registration is required.
A previous version of this story reported there have been four speakers since the series began in 2010. There have been five.
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