Programs

 

One question drives our approach everyday at Step Up – what do the vulnerable young people we support need to achieve their full potential? This answer is whatever it takes.

At our core, we:

  • Provide a safe, enriching and vibrant space for kids to learn, play and express themselves.
  • Cultivate an experiential learning environment that promotes the social-emotional development of young people.
  • Promote 21st Century Skills – creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration – that empower our kids to build brighter futures for themselves and their families.

 

ACCESS Education (10-13 years old)

Provides more than 250 hours of after-school and school-break experiential learning and social development programming to kids between 10-13 years old. Achievers begin developing confidence in themselves and their capacity to thrive in the classroom and the community.

  • Social Emotional Learning. Setting and achieving personal goals, making productive decisions, building healthy relationships, overcoming challenges, working as a team.
  • 21st Century Skills. STEM, technology literacy, visual arts, drama, financial literacy, public speaking.
  • Healthy living. Play, sports, personal health, mental and physical well-being.
  • Academic support. Academic tutoring and exam preparation, homework help, peer-to-peer advising, English language reading and speaking, creative writing.

 

Step Forward (14-18 years old)

Programming for secondary school Achievers between 14-18 years old builds on the foundation of ACCESS. Our older Achievers begin putting knowledge, competencies and skills into practice by facilitating program activities, leading school-break sessions and providing academic support to younger ACCESS Achievers.

  • Community leadership engagement and peer-to-peer mentorship.
  • Career exploration.
  • Sexual reproductive health (SRH), drug and alcohol awareness, HIV education and prevention.
  • Academic enrichment, study groups and peer-to-peer support.

 

Parent Support Program (PSP)

We recognize the household is an essential partner in ensuring the healthy development of children and youth. Our PSP provides monthly trainings, workshops and events that empower parents to support their Achievers beyond the Step Up center.

Programming includes tips for parents to support their Achiever’s academic work at home, activities to promote healthy living habits, and strategies to help with effective communication strategies to discuss complex social issues with their children.