Steppingstone Scholars Program Overview
The Steppingstone Advantage
Academic Preparation
Social-Emotional Support
Advising & School Choice
Research shows that students who have access to continuous support from an early age are more likely to graduate from college. Steppingstone recruits Boston students in Grades 4 and 5 who demonstrate motivation, academic potential, and a need for our services. Most Scholars learn about the program from their Boston school teachers. Prospective Scholars and families must attend an information meeting and submit an application (including components for the student, family, and teacher). Scholars who are selected as finalists will take an exam and complete an interview with their families. Learn more about the application process.
Scholars start their journey in the Academy: summer and after-school programming designed to accelerate academic skills, support social-emotional development, and prepare Scholars to gain admission in the sixth or seventh grade to schools that lead to college.
Scholars’ experiences in the Academy include:
- Core academic subjects such as math, English, science, Latin, and social studies
- Advisory, physical education, electives, and community building
- Development of social emotional skills including self-efficacy, communication and teamwork, self and social awareness, and more
- Preparation for school entrance exams
At this stage, Steppingstone Advisors support Scholars and their families in identifying, applying to, and gaining admission to right-fit schools that lead to college.
In grades 7–9, Scholars can count on Steppingstone for:
- Individualized support from Advisors who work with them, their families, and placement schools
- Homework help
- Saturday programming including advisory and electives
- School visits, college readiness curriculum, extracurricular activities
- Social-emotional programming
- Guidance and application support when applying to a new high school
- Support transitioning to high school
In grades 10–12, Steppingstone provides Scholars with:
- Individualized support from Advisors who work with them, their families, and placement schools
- Social-emotional programming
- Extracurricular activities
- Leadership opportunities
- Discounted SAT prep classes
- Overnight and local college tours, college readiness workshops
- Comprehensive support for all aspects of the college application process, including applying for financial aid and scholarships
- Opportunity to apply for last-dollar scholarship funding exclusively for Steppingstone Scholars
During the college years, Scholars benefit from:
- Individual advising and group programming designed to support the transition to college and life at college
- Support with the transition out of college into the workforce or grad school
- Career readiness preparation
- Financial aid assistance
- Access to curated opportunities including jobs, internships, scholarships, and resources for a positive, successful college experience
Upon graduation, Scholars join the Alumni network with continued access to curated professional connections and opportunities.