Our STEP scholars are incredible individuals! Their fierce determination, caring demeanor, and hard-earned success is proof of their strong character and readiness to break through expectations.
Here are just a few of our students’ stories and how STEP has been influential in their life.
Read too about what others have to say about our STEP scholars.
Featured
“While my family wanted me to go to college, they could not help me with taking the steps to make my college dreams a reality.”
STEP Alum, Williams College
"It was up to me to make sure I had a good future for not only myself, but also for my family.”
STEP Alum, Bowdoin College
"I went from knowing nothing, to knowing pretty much everything I needed to about college, thanks to STEP."
STEP Alum, Babson College
"I would not be where I am now if it weren't for STEP."
STEP Alum, Bowdoin College Graduate
“I’m drawn to the hard stuff – that’s why I decided to become a pilot in the Marine Corps. It all came from that sense of achievement I had after I got back from my STEP expedition to Alaska.”
1st Lieutenant in the Marine Corps, Osprey Aircraft Pilot,
STEP Alum, U.S. Naval Academy Graduate
Stories
“Thanks to the STEP Program, I am at the college of my dreams. I am so grateful that there is a program like STEP that will continue helping generations to come make their dreams of going to college come true!"
STEP Alum, Colgate University
“The STEP organization is truly one of my favorite organizations in the country.”
Senior Assistant Admission Director, Smith College
“The best kind of people are the ones in your life who believe in you and help you see your worth so you start to believe that you are valuable. STEP believed in me."
STEP Alum, St. Mary’s University
"Being a first generation Latina and coming from a single parent household, I used to want to cry at the idea of applying to college. I had no idea that I had what it took to get into a college like Pomona, but STEP believed in me and that was the push I needed. STEP literally made my dreams come true. I will be thanking STEP for the rest of my days."
STEP Alum, Pomona College
“I love that STEP exists. My students come back from their STEP Expedition and tell me it changed their lives.”
Teacher, Cholla High School
“I don’t think I could ever put all of my gratitude for the STEP program into words. Without STEP, I would have been so lost in this crazy college application process. I would not have known what tests to take, how to format my essays, how to apply for financial aid … but most importantly, I would not have known that I had the potential to go to a school like Wellesley. Thank you for guiding me towards success!”
STEP Alum, Wellesley College
“We are beyond blessed that Karena is part of STEP. Her confidence has sky rocketed! I will NEVER forget the impact STEP has had on our lives.”
STEP Parent
“I would never have had the confidence I have now if it wasn’t for STEP. Now look at me, President of the Native Association on my campus and well on my way to graduating from Duke University!”
STEP Alum, Duke University
"When I applied to STEP my sophomore year, I didn’t think I would be accepted. I thought that opportunities like these never happen to people like me - a girl who comes from a family where no one attends college. Being accepted and attending all the workshops was a complete blessing. I gained the support and knowledge that I would have never gotten at my school. In the end I gained confidence in myself. STEP has been one of the best experiences in my life."
STEP Alum, University of Arizona
“STEP honestly changed my life, it's what pushed me to consider colleges outside of my state. Without this program I would most likely be attending community college in state and working full time because those were my initial plans. STEP IS AWESOME!!”
STEP Alum, College of Wooster