“The Bob Kemp Lacrosse Classic goes beyond the scholarship fund it raises to support a student at the Washington Jesuit Academy. It gives a young man the opportunity to receive a quality, independent middle-school education, and it helps us remember the legacy of Bob Kemp, a man who knew that a great education can take you far in life.”
Our Cause
The Bob Kemp Lacrosse Classic celebrates Bob’s legacy while honoring those with a notable commitment to faith, family, and athletics.
The Washington Jesuit Academy’s vision of creating an education model that addresses the cycle of poverty that plagues students’ communities, and replacing it with cycles of hope, determination, and success is something that Bob very much believed in.
Proceeds will go towards the Washington Jesuit Academy in Bob’s name. The Bob Kemp Fund was established at Washington Jesuit Academy shortly following Bob’s sudden passing in May 2014.
What is WJA?
WJA was founded in 2001 by the Jesuit communities in Washington, D.C. It functions as a private, independent school and is operated according to Jesuit educational principles. The Academy serves promising students of all beliefs from low-income communities in grades 4-8 – coming from some of the most underserved neighborhoods in the Washington, DC areas. All students who attend WJA do so on a full scholarship provided by members of the greater D.C. community.
What does WJA provide?
- An extended-day (7:30am-6:30pm) and year-round (11 months) academic and character education model that includes three healthy meals daily.
- A safe, welcoming school environment founded on sincere and concrete care for each and every student, that continually enhances their intellectual and character development.
- A cura personalis (care for the whole person) approach to education that seeks to address and ameliorate the profound effects of an early childhood spent in poverty.
- Highly qualified, dedicated educators and mentors who enthusiastically help students reach their highest academic and moral standards, in small-class environments (12:1 student teacher ratio).
- A consistent tutoring and mentorship program implemented by committed volunteers.
- A graduate support program with extensive high school preparation, that continues through high school, college, professional development, and/or entry into the workforce.
WJA’s Success:
- 14 Classes of Graduates.
- 300 Alumni.
- 99% Enrolled in or have graduated from high school.
- 57,000 Nutritious meals served at WJA each year.
- 640 Books WJA 6th graders read last year.
- 50+ High schools attended by WJA alums.
- $305k Scholarship funds earned by the recent class of graduates.
- 75% Enrolled in or have graduated from college.
- 60+ Colleges attended by WJA Alums.
