Getting into a new school is a crucial first step, but long-term success requires sustained commitment from the Scholars and their families, and continued support from Steppingstone. The Support Services department is designed to help all Scholars who have completed the 14-month component to excel academically, participate in enriching extracurricular activities, and go on to succeed in and graduate from college.

The Support Services staff seeks to stay abreast of each Scholar’s individual situation. Staff members serve as Advisors to the Scholars and maintain close contact with the placement schools to ensure that academic and social needs are being met. Tutoring, counseling, summer job placement, college guidance, and group activities such as sports events, trips to the movies, or museums are all a part of what is offered through Support Services.

In addition to working directly with the Scholars, the Support Services staff also strives to work with placement school personnel on issues of multiculturalism and diversity. These services are designed to help foster an atmosphere where both the Scholars and their peers can feel emotionally self-confident and thrive academically. The strength of Support Services lies in its ability to help the Scholars transition effectively between their school and home environments.

College Counseling

Steppingstone provides college counseling services to all Scholars. The goal of the College Counseling program is to help Scholars get into a four-year college. While most of Steppingstone’s placement schools offer comprehensive college counseling programs, Steppingstone supplements their efforts to ensure a successful application process. Steppingstone’s high school Advisors begin working with Scholars in the ninth grade and continue throughout high school. Services include extensive workshops on the application process, the essay, financial aid and scholarships, a discounted Kaplan SAT prep course, group college tours, and seminars with college admission representatives.

Counseling

Steppingstone is concerned with the health and happiness of the Scholars. The Counselor works closely with them to make sure their experience in middle school and high school is not only academically rewarding, but emotionally meaningful and stable, as well. The Counselor runs discussion groups and forums on topics such as transitions and diversity; serves as a liaison between Scholars, families, and schools regarding the Scholars' physical, mental, and emotional development; and makes herself available for one-on-one counseling.

Parent Advisory Council

Steppingstone parents and guardians embrace the support that Steppingstone continues to offer Scholars after they have completed the initial 14 months. The Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is an organized group of parents and guardians who meet to discuss issues of common concern. They plan events for Steppingstone families, act as liaisons between the parent body and the Steppingstone staff, and welcome new families into the Steppingstone community.

Peer Leadership Program

In response to the ongoing commitment Steppingstone gives the Scholars, many of them, in turn, commit to supporting Steppingstone by participating in the Peer Leadership Program. Scholars may head or serve on various committees which work to plan reunions, organize volunteers, and discuss pertinent issues through panels and lectures. Being a member of the Peer Leadership Program is a fantastic leadership opportunity for the Scholars.

Upromise is helping Steppingstone scholars go to college-and you can be a part of it. Membership is FREE. Joining is easy.