Steps to Success

The mission of Steps to Success is to promote equity for students from low-income families in Brookline by expanding their horizons, building on their skills, and supporting their educational journey to maximize their life choices.

Steps to Success was launched in 2001 as a partnership among the Brookline Community Foundation, the Public Schools of Brookline, and the Brookline Housing Authority. Initially, the program focused on supporting the academic and personal success of children from low-income families and ensuring educational equity.

In 2004, Steps launched its extended learning programs (After Hours University and Teen Advantage). In 2009, the College Success Initiative was established to help students complete their post-secondary education. Today, Steps to Success prepares students from public housing to succeed in school and college.

Together with its lead partners, the Public Schools of Brookline (PSB) and the Brookline Housing Authority (BHA), Steps to Success works to close the opportunity gap between low-income students and their higher-income peers. The program provides individualized academic support and comprehensive services to students living in public housing. Starting in grade 4, Steps to Success supports students in graduating from high school, enrolling in college, and earning a degree.

Visit the Steps to Success website.

Elementary/Middle School Program Overview

Steps to Success Programs

AHU and TA/Homework Center is open to Steps to Success families. For more information, contact:

• JT Lenoch
  FRR STS Advisor
  james_lenoch@psbma.org
• Rocky Cotard
  Director of Elementary & Middle School Programs
  rcotard@stepstosuccessbrookline.org

Advising

An advisor located in each school builds relationships with STS students and their families to support them throughout their schooling. Advisors place students in extended learning programs and summer opportunities.

Extended Learning Programs

STS provides extended learning programs in PSB designed to offer academic enrichment, community building, and college access programming. Through participation, students increase engagement in learning, develop skills beyond the school day, strengthen communication skills, and build positive relationships with peers.

After Hours University (AHU)

AHU is an after-school program for students in grades 4–6 enrolled at Pierce, Lincoln, Lawrence, and Ruffin Ridley schools. AHU offers enrichment activities and, in collaboration with PSB, provides homework support through school-based homework centers.

Teen Advantage (TA)

TA is an after-school program for students in grades 7–8 enrolled at Ruffin Ridley and Lincoln. TA offers enrichment activities and, in collaboration with PSB, provides homework support through school-based homework centers.

Summer Opportunities

Camp and Enrichment Programs

Approximately 70 STS students in grades 4–7 attend summer camp programs in the region. STS staff, in collaboration with PSB advisors, support families in identifying camps, providing scholarships, and ensuring a safe and positive experience through regular site visits.

Summer Connections

Each summer, Summer Connections provides rising 8th and 9th grade STS students with paid internships throughout the Town of Brookline. Morning work experiences are paired with academic enrichment and life-skills courses in the afternoon to create a well-rounded summer program.

High School Program Overview

High School Advising

High School Advisors at BHS support STS students and their families through high school preparing them for the next steps, through professional paid internships, college applications, and job readiness workshops.

The Summer

Work Connection for Youth

Each summer, STS supports 60+ high school students to be placed in paid internships in the public and private sectors in the Greater Boston area. Every intern has a competency-based learning plan designed to help them identify and build transferable skills, explore careers, and make plans for post-high school.

College Success Initiative (CSI)

College Preparation

Complementing the Brookline High School staff's college preparation support, STS' College Success Initiative team works closely with high school juniors and seniors to visit colleges, work on college applications, and provide guidance in the financial aid process for colleges and other post-secondary options.

College Success Initiative

The College Success Initiative (CSI) goes beyond the initial college admission process to ensure STS students receive the support they need to earn a degree and pursue successful careers. In addition to job-readiness and life-skills programming, the program offers one-on-one campus visits, as well as academic and financial advising sessions for freshmen through seniors. CSI also works to build community among Steps to Success alumni.

Sophya Williams-Louis
sophya_williamslouis@psbma.org