Student StepUp Scholarship Fund (StepUp) is a Brooklyn-based nonprofit with an 8-year track record of engaging middle and high school students through innovative academic and workforce programs. Our mission: empower college students to coach and mentor 6th–12th grade youth, facilitate immersive college and career exploration, and support community organizations through workforce-aligned, technology-enabled programming.
Advantage Higher Education
Academic reinforcement platform strengthening digital literacy, leadership, and college preparedness through near-peer coaching and STEM enrichment.
Youth Chambers of Commerce
Applied workforce experiences via simulated "Chambers" aligned to career sectors. Over 80% of participants achieve a defined next step: employment, internships, or college admission.
CareerFocus Institute
Career navigation and transition planning powered by the AI-driven Career Compassand Exploration platform, guiding youth through structured career discovery and pathway planning.
Alignment with Schools
StepUp partners with public, private, and charter schools, including transfer programs , to deliver comprehensive, student-centered services tailored to each school community.
Expert, Relationship-Driven Team
Seasoned Counselors (1:12 ratio) and Coaches embedded in each school, supported by near-peer College Coaches from CUNY Medgar Evers (or other institutions). All staff are trained in trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices.
Integrated In-School & Beyond-School Programming
Services delivered in close collaboration with school leaders, with StepUp staff present from 30 minutes before first bell until at least 5 PM, leveraging advisory, lunch, and enrichment blocks.
Comprehensive Academic & Career Support
Tutoring, Regents prep, credit recovery, socio-emotional counseling, coaching, attendance interventions, college access guidance, and paid internships, are customized to each student's needs.
Proven Results
95% of seniors coached by StepUp applied to college (vs. about 60% of peers); 92% enrolled in postsecondary education or training; 78% of participants improved academic performance within one year.
Service Plan for Out of School Time
Our comprehensive out-of-school time program integrates academic support, personal development, career preparation, and essential social services to ensure holistic student success.
Academic Enrichment
Personalized learning plans, virtual labs (EON Reality XR/AR/AI), and Regents prep workshops to boost credit accumulation and digital literacy.
Youth Development
Coaches and counselors provide bi-weekly individual sessions, Youth Circles, and community projects to foster leadership and positive social engagement.
Postsecondary Readiness
Students create Postsecondary Success Plans, explore colleges and carees via EON XR, participate in admissions days, and access FAFSA/career panels.
Work-Based Learning
Paid work opportunities with dedicated coordinators and coaches. VR bootcamps prepare students for tech, healthcare, and business internships.
Industry Credentials
Up to 6 college credits via Medgar Evers College (or other institutions), plus certifications like OSHA-30 and CompTIA. Goal: 50%+ participants earn a credential or college credit.
Social Supports
Needs assessments, on-site counseling, and referrals to NYC health and social services. Monthly Parent Workshops and attendance outreach programs.
We: Connect. Coach. Create. Change.
"Whether it's restructuring the school day to accommodate internships, training our staff in restorative justice, or holding a parent's hand through the college financial aid process, we will go the extra mile."
Student StepUp Scholarship Fund is ready and eager to partner with the to empower students in schools and programs to achieve their diplomas and successful postsecondary transitions. Our programs combines best practices in youth development with cutting-edge VR tools and a deep bench of community partnerships. Our supplemental services provide a one-stop solution, from additional tutoring to mental health support to enrichment.
By selecting StepUp, schools gain a partner with a clear vision, a rigorous plan, and a proven capacity to deliver results. Students who once felt left behind will instead feel supported, inspired, and on the road to success.
Connect
Students to mentors, resources, and community networks
Coach
Youth through academic, personal, and career challenges
Create
Pathways to college, credentials, and careers
Change
Life trajectories, and communities — for the better