Success Through Excellence Program Programs
Our program provides an intensive three-year college counseling program to low-income students outlined below.
Year One
- Learn how to plan SMART goals (Specific, measurable, ambitious, reasonable, timed)
- Visit different local college campuses to see how colleges differLearn how to determine “best-fit” colleges
- Learn how to break down academic performance and how to improve in necessary areas
- Learn best practice study habits, study skills, and time management skills
- Receive a financial literacy course covering credit and the effects of student loans
- Learn of and apply for summer leadership opportunitiesUndergo a rigorous SAT prep course
Year Two
- Be provided continuous assistance in filling out college applications
- Attend a college application essay writing seminar at the University of Washington
- Learn how to find and access non-loan, college funding opportunities
- Receive extensive cultural and social college transition training
- Learn how to access on-campus resources at their chosen colleges
- Receive lessons on professional communication and presentation
- Be provided with student and faculty mentors at the college they plan to attend
Year Three
- Maintain regular communication with their cohort through bi-monthly webinars
- Report their college academic progress through grades, credit progression, and course plans
- Provide performance breakdowns on any difficult or challenging assignments or tests they receive
- Receive continued transition counseling and trainingDetail their biggest challenge and biggest success
In addition, we provide professional development for our high-performing teachers, education sessions for our students' parents on how they can best support their students in getting to college, and community building opportunities in our partner schools and their surrounding areas.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
Since beginning in January, 2011, over 80% of our funding has come from private individuals. Developing a strong and broad donor base is elemental to our success as an organization, as we prioritize building credibility and support in our local communities.
Additionally, we've secured future partnerships with school districts in South King County which is essential to our future expansion plans. As we continue to grow our capacity in Seattle Public Schools, we are excited to know that both Federal Way School District and Kent School District are interested in starting pilots in their respective school districts in 2013-14.
As with any organization, one of our current needs is additional funding. With our Sponsor A Student Initiative, we are attempting to partner our students with individuals from the community to both support and fund the costs of our program for our students. STEP Ahead is looking for 15 student sponsors in the Seattle community for the 2011-12 year. For more information on the Sponsor A Student Initiative, please visit our website.