| PROGRAM > Support Services |
Support Services
Getting into a new school is a crucial first step, but long-term success
requires sustained commitment from the Scholars and their families, and
continued support from Steppingstone. The Support Services department is
designed to help all Scholars who have completed the 14-month component
to excel academically, 
participate in enriching extracurricular activities,
and go on to succeed in and graduate from college.
The Support Services staff seeks to stay abreast of each Scholar’s individual situation. Staff members serve as Advisors to the Scholars and maintain close contact with the placement schools to ensure that academic and social needs are being met. Tutoring, counseling, summer job placement, college guidance, and group activities such as sports events, trips to the movies, or museums are all a part of what is offered through Support Services.
In addition to working directly with the Scholars, the Support Services staff also strives to work with placement school personnel on issues of multiculturalism and diversity. These services are designed to help foster an atmosphere where both the Scholars and their peers can feel emotionally self-confident and thrive academically. The strength of Support Services lies in its ability to help the Scholars transition effectively between their school and home environments.
College Counseling
Steppingstone provides collegecounseling services to all Scholars. The
goal of the CollegeCounseling program is to help Scholars get into a four-year
college. While most of Steppingstone’s placement schools offer comprehensive
college 
counseling programs,Steppingstone supplements their efforts to
ensure a successful application process. Steppingstone’s high school Advisors
begin working with Scholars in the ninth grade and continue throughout
high school. Services include extensive workshops on the application process,
the essay, financial aid and scholarships, a discounted Kaplan SAT prep
course, group college tours, and seminars with college admission representatives.
More about Applying to College
Counseling
Steppingstone is concerned with the health and happiness of the Scholars.
The Counselor works closely with them to make sure their experience in
middle school and high school is not only academically rewarding, but emotionally
meaningful and stable, as well. Support Services runs periodic discussion
groups and forums on topics such as transitions and diversity; serves as
a liaison between Scholars, families, and schools regarding the Scholars'
physical, mental, and emotional development; and makes herself available
for one-on-one counseling.
Steppingstone Parents Association (SPA)
Steppingstone parents and guardians embrace the support that Steppingstone
continues to offer Scholars after they have completed the initial 14 months.
SPA is an organized group of parents and guardians who meet to discuss
issues of common concern. They plan events for Steppingstone families,
act as liaisons between the parent body and the Steppingstone staff, and
welcome new families into the Steppingstone community.
