Our focus remains on guiding, supporting, and connecting teens as they work towards defining and achieving their unique vision of success. This school year, we have 37 school partners, 38 cohorts, and 50 fellows!
Want to see what we've been up to this fall? Read on!
Fall Programming Updates
On October 3, 2024, teens from Stratford STEM High School in Nashville participated in an Explore Career Pathways mentorship experience hosted by Accenture. After touring the office, teens engaged in networking activities and gained insights into their mentors' educational and career journeys. The teens were inspired to hear what motivates the Accenture mentors and see the vibrant work environment they enjoy.
Our teens aren't the only ones who have been busy this fall! Multiple Power Talks sessions have been held throughout the past few months, allowing young adults to build their confidence and connect with like-minded women in a safe, supportive space. These “flash mentoring” sessions, led by inspiring Step Up mentors, show how one meaningful connection can make a difference.
On October 1, we hosted Power Talks: The Art of Balance in partnership with the Society of Women in Business at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign (UIUC). 50 young adults joined a fireside chat with Dr. Giocanda Guerra, UIUC Associate Vice Chancellor for Diversity, focusing on workplace well-being. Attendees exchanged resources and best practices in emotional, physical, and social health.
On October 11, we hosted another engaging Power Talks session in Chicago. This interactive mentorship event featured 14 mentors and 36 young adults, focusing on setting value-aligned goals, creating actionable plans, and navigating change and transitions.
It was a fantastic opportunity for participants to connect, share insights, and gain valuable guidance.
Meet a Step Up Fellow
Spotlight Interview: Gloria Vasquez-Melendez
Role at School: Teacher/Peer Collaborator/AP Coordinator/Caring Adult/STEP UP Fellow (Girls Group Leader)
Years at East Bronx Academy: 16 years
In our interview with Step Up fellow Gloria Vasquez-Melendez, we asked her about her experience being a fellow and got an inside look at what it's like leading Step Up girls!
Q: Why do you think Step Up on Campus is a good fit for East Bronx Academy?
A: Recognizing the challenges faced by East Bronx Academy as a 100% Title 1 school, Step Up can help bridge gaps in resources and opportunities with the support of in-house fellows. The program's adaptability to our infrastructure—like small classrooms and limited facilities—demonstrates its potential to thrive in a less conventional learning environment.
Q: What inspired you to become a Step Up Fellow?
A: I currently run an after-school girls program that started two years ago after one of my poetry units. For the final assessment, students had to create a variety of poems using the skills taught in class. When students recited or let me read their work, I knew I had to provide a safe space for these young ladies to come together to share their feelings, reflect, and heal. The goal is to give them a supportive environment where they can talk and help each other academically and emotionally, creating a sisterhood. The program started with four young ladies and has expanded to twenty, and it’s still growing. My girls have volunteered to support multiple community events, like our annual Feed the Needy Thanksgiving event, where they fed approximately 200 community members. They’ve also been invited to the Harlem Comedy Club, where several young ladies stepped out of their comfort zones to perform songs and share their poems. Additionally, they’ve attended Yankee games and the Apollo. I decided to become a fellow to further expand the opportunities available to my girls—opportunities that were never afforded to me.
Q: How do you recruit students for the program?
A: Most girls are already in my classes and hear about the program through me or word of mouth from peers. It’s great to see them come in eager to participate!
Q: What are you most looking forward to this semester as a fellow?
A: I’m excited to continue building a network for my girls. Our location and financial circumstances often limit their experiences, and I look forward to seeing what Step Up can offer our girls through this collaboration.
Q: Anything else you want to share with our school partners around the country?
A: I do this work as a way to heal my younger self. I aim to be everything I needed for these girls and more.
Thank you, Gloria, for your inspiring dedication to your students and community!
