ABOUT US

Horace Mann, the architect of the American theory of public schooling, said it best: "Education is the great equalizer." It is this belief that serves as the underpinning for everything we do at The Steppingstone Foundation. We believe, and the Scholars have proven time and again, that most children, regardless of circumstance, can earn life-transforming opportunities if they apply themselves in a focused, demanding, result-oriented academic environment.

The goal of Steppingstone Scholars, Inc. in Philadelphia is to prepare the Scholars to get into, and succeed at, top college preparatory schools. Success at these schools opens doors previously unimagined to the Scholars. And by succeeding, both in and out of the classroom, the Scholars change their own lives, positively impact the schools which they attend, and open doors for Scholars who follow.

At Steppingstone, we are focused, hire the best people, set demanding goals, and judge ourselves (and seek to be judged by others) by the results we achieve.

The admission process is rigorous, and its rigor has a purpose. The parent information meetings, exam, written application, and interview are part of an exhaustive process that not only helps Steppingstone identify talented Scholars with support structures at home, but also culls out those who don't have the persistence and determination to see their way through a demanding regimen.

The 14-month academic component gets the Scholars ready for the standards and demands that they will face at the placement schools. No Scholar has gone through this intense academic period without questioning at some point whether the extraordinary effort and commitment is worthwhile. Graduates have proven to themselves and others that a great education is worth every sacrifice made along the way.

The placement process is a soul-searching time for Scholars and their families. Do they opt for independent school, parochial or public school? Co-ed or single sex? Suburban or city school? These questions and others force the Scholars to analyze their own strengths and weaknesses and make objective choices that will impact their lives for years to come. For those who choose independent school, the admissions process is reminiscent of what the Scholars went through to get into Steppingstone - interviews, applications, and tests, not to mention the additional work of applying for financial aid. It is a daunting process, one that prepares diligent Scholars for success once placed.

Of course, the goal of those who enter a Steppingstone program is not mere acceptance to a top school; it is success at the school. To that end, Steppingstone works with Scholars and families to ensure success, both academically and socially. Saturday mentoring, family workshops, regular meetings, test prep, and college counseling are some of the support services that Steppingstone provides Scholars throughout middle school and high school. Following their high school graduation, Steppingstone provides opportunities for Alumni to stay connected to one another and to the organization.

Steppingstone isn't easy. And it isn't meant to be. But for all the Scholars who have completed the Steppingstone program, it has been well worth the effort. At Steppingstone, we believe one of the highest compliments that can be paid to a child is to be demanding. When those demands are linked to wonderful opportunities, the results are nothing short of amazing.