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Measures of Our Success
Extended Learning Programs
Steps’ Extended Learning Programs, After Hours University (AHU) and Teen Advantage (TA), present invaluable opportunities for students beyond regular school hours.
Serving students at the Lincoln, Ridley, Pierce, and Lawrence Schools, these programs extend the learning journey, empowering students to grow and learn new skills in a supportive environment outside of the classroom. AHU provides 3rd-5th graders with homework assistance and diverse enrichment activities, ranging from scientific exploration to creative and artistic pursuits. TA aids 6th-8th graders with time for homework coupled with enrichment sessions to provide academic support, foster creativity, and emphasize critical thinking skills—all with the aim of increasing in-school success rates.
74
students are currently supported by our 3rd-8th grade after-school programs
14
enrichment classes per week offer students a chance to engage with STEAM-based curriculum outside of school
99%
attendance rate at AHU sites, showing high student engagement across our three program sites
98%
of students demonstrate an improvement in their ability to work collaboratively with their peers
I absolutely love volunteering with Steps because of the kids, it’s great to see them grow with time and it fills my heart with joy to see them enjoy the various parts of the program. It’s always exciting to be a support to the staff and create an impact on the day-to-day programming.
- Lily Wang Luo
Boston College Volunteer
Outdoor Explorations
Steps’ Outdoor Explorations program allows students to venture beyond Brookline and immerse themselves in diverse outdoor experiences.
Whether it is a local, single-day experience or our annual multi-night camping expedition in New Hampshire's White Mountains (“Winter Explorations”), students engage in activities that inspire growth and connection. Through our partnerships with local organizations, Steps offers students hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that foster teamwork, leadership, and the confidence to see themselves as part of a larger world.
78
students participated in Outdoor Explorations trips from winter 2024 to winter 2025
90%
of program participants demonstrated an increased ability to help their peers succeed as a result of their experience
90%
of program participants reported an increased interest in outdoor exploration as a result of their experience
[Winter Explorations] is a fun trip and a great experience because you get to learn how to ski, and you get to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner with your friends.
- Jason, 7th Grade
Winter Explorations 2025 Participant
Camps
Steps collaborates with local summer camps to offer enriching and affordable summer opportunities for our elementary and middle school students.
Through our partnerships, many students participate in local day camps, engaging in activities and connecting with peers and adults. Additionally, we partner with overnight camps to provide students with extended experiences, ranging from four to seven weeks, where they learn essential skills, form lasting friendships, and develop openness to new opportunities. These summer engagements significantly enrich our students' overall experiences, fostering valuable social-emotional growth and providing learning opportunities that support them far beyond the summer months.
59
students enrolled in local and out-of-state camp programs in summer 2024
3
new camp partnerships were created in 2024, creating additional slots for Steps students to engage in high-quality summer learning
[At Brookline Recreation Camp] you get to go on fun trips, and it’s a good experience. Anyone and any age can go. We get to go to the pool every Thursday, and you get to do a bunch of stuff. Recess is really fun because of the teachers.
- Raphael, 5th Grade
Brookline Recreation Camp Participant
Career Connections
Career Connections is a comprehensive set of programs that prepare students for success in the workplace by providing job placement and targeted professional development.
This workforce-readiness program starts the summer before 8th grade and continues through high school, with the opportunity for year-round engagement. During ongoing skill development workshops, students develop the professional, financial literacy, and post-secondary planning skills necessary to ensure career readiness.
35
high school and college students participated in Work Connections in 2024
29
8th and 9th grade students participated in Summer Connections in 2024
95%
of Work Connections students can articulate a goal for themselves beyond high school
97%
of Summer Connections students completed three or more digital media projects
You could earn money by doing math and helping little kids at the Teen Center, and you can learn a lot of new things that you haven’t learned. The math was my favorite part. It was new for me, but my friends were there, and the tutors made it fun. The post-secondary class was really fun because we got to start thinking about colleges.
- Amaris, 8th grade
Summer Connections Participant
College Success Initiative (CSI)
The College Success Initiative (CSI) reaches beyond the college application and admission process to ensure Steps students receive the continued support they need to earn their degrees and pursue successful careers.
In addition to job-readiness and life-skills programming, CSI offers one-on-one campus visits, plus academic and financial advising sessions for the entirety of a student’s college enrollment.
62
students currently receive guidance and support from their CSI Advisors
27
unique colleges and universities are attended by CSI students
80%
of CSI students identify as first-generation college students
88%
of CSI students are on track to graduate within 4-6 years, 6 times the national average for first-generation, low-income students
Without any doubt, my college experience would have looked different had I decided not to participate in CSI. There were many days I wanted to give up due to hardships and feeling like I didn’t belong. With all the encouragement, guidance, and help in my times of need, Steps and my CSI Advisor pushed me to believe in myself and to finish what I started. After many trials and triumphs, I am proud to say that I will be receiving my BS in Business Marketing from Fitchburg State University May 2025.
- Yessenia Rosa
Fitchburg State University