STEP: Student Expedition Program

STEP educates and empowers low-income Arizona students to overcome financial and systemic barriers so they are prepared to enroll in and graduate from college. STEP's College-Prep Program is a multi-year support system that provides students and their families with 1:1 advising and the resources to navigate every aspect of the college preparation and application process.

*Beginning in sophomore year of high school, STEP students participate in monthly college readiness workshops and 1:1 advising on topics ranging from high school course selection to standardized test prep and essay writing. STEP students are introduced to Arizona state universities and top-ranked schools nationwide, and are encouraged to enroll in summer programs on college campuses.

*STEP juniors meet with admissions directors from across the country to get advice on interviewing and applying to their schools.

*Seniors work with program staff to construct a solid college list, create a compelling college application, and apply for scholarships.

*STEP educates and guides students and families on all aspects of the financial aid process.

*Our students are paired with alumni mentors and participate in alumni-led workshops on navigating the transition to college.

JOIN US in empowering our first-gen-to-college scholars as they open the door to higher education and contribute to a thriving Arizona!

Testimonials

"STEP didn’t just prepare us for college — they helped us build the kind of future we once thought belonged to ‘other people.’ They taught us to dream bigger, to push further, to believe in futures that once felt too far away. They handed us tools and helped us learn how to use them. They didn’t just tell us to believe in ourselves — they showed us how.” - Camila, STEP Class of 2025

"STEP has been more than a program that helped me get into college. It is a place where I felt seen and valued and where I experienced people who truly believed I was worth investing in." - Desztany, STEP Class of 2024

"Because of STEP, my daughter is more certain in her future. She knows what she wants to do and knows where she wants to go. She is more confident in herself and her decisions." - Parent, STEP Class of 2021

Giving Options

*$500 funds intensive test-prep workshops for 15 students
*$250 funds 1:1 advising for five students
*$100 subsidizes monthly college-prep workshops for one student
*$50 funds financial aid guidance for one student and family
*$25 pays for one student to participate in a team-building workshop

*ANY amount helps us to educate and mentor our hardworking scholars so they are prepared for college success!