STEP is an academic support program for students from the 7th and 8th grades in Holyoke. The primary goal is to assist youth in obtaining skills and motivation to complete middle school and high school and to enroll in college.

PROGRAM ACTIVITIES

STEP offers after-school academic tutoring at Lynch, Magnet and Peck Middle Schools. Tutoring generally takes place Monday- Thursday from 2:30-4:00. STEP tutors are highly qualified high school students who are graduates of STEP.

Two sessions of five-week mini-courses are offered on Saturdays at the Holyoke Community College campus. Mini-courses focus on traditional subjects such as language, math and science, as well as on non-traditional subjects such as video, theater,
photography and pottery.

Students participate in peer leadership workshops on topics such as teamwork, self-esteem, study skills, goal-setting, communication skills, diversity, and college planning. Guest speakers and field trips to possible places of employment are offered to provide
students with information about the education and skills necessary for various career choices.

STEP coordinates many educational field trips throughout the year. Field trip destinations
include Boston, New York City, and Washington D.C. To participate in STEP, students need to demonstrate a commitment to the programs' goals. Students much not only have the potential to succeed in middle school, high school, and college, but they must also
have an academic need for help when they apply to the program. Since STEP is a Massachusetts Equal Opportunity Program, participants must come from low income families.