Opportunity
1.2 million teens drop out of school every year – that’s about 7,000 per day who may feel that they don’t have the support they need to graduate. Research shows the key indicator of success is not IQ – it’s resilience. At that moment when a girl is deciding whether she has what it takes to continue to pursue her dreams in spite of the many obstacles she is facing, where is she going to turn?
Our Approach
We believe ending the high school dropout crisis depends on mentorship. Step Up inspires professional women to inspire teen girls through after-school and mentorship programs. We introduce our girls to many women in various industries who’ve made different choices. The girls are inspired by all of you, not just one of you. And that’s great news for busy professional women. Volunteer once and you’re making an impact.
Impact
For five straight years, 100% of seniors active in Step Up have graduated high school and been accepted to college – compared to an average of a 57% graduation rate for the urban centers where Step Up works. We need your help. Together, we must ensure that when we ask a high school girl, “is there an adult in your community you can turn to for help?" the answer from EVERY girl is, “Yes. I have Step Up.”
After-School Programs
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Mentors Change Lives
Support
Step Up girls feel supported by their mentors, who have made an investment in their success through their Step Up membership.
Inspire
Step Up mentors inspire girls to become confident, college-bound and career-focused.
Encourage
Step Up girls receive encouragement from many different mentors, who help the girls dream of countless career possibilities.
Role Model
Step Up mentors serve as role models, enabling the girls to create a vision for their own lives.
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Inspire Women
Salons
Step Up Salons connect women and give the organization a platform to inspire and grow its membership. Typically hosted by a retail sponsor, Salons give Step Up members the chance to shop to benefit the organization's programs.
Power Breakfasts
Step Up Power Breakfasts help Step Up members start the day on an inspirational note by bringing philanthropic women together. An industry-leading speaker will guide the conversation on a given topic while guests enjoy the chance to connect over breakfast.
Panel Discussions
Step Up annually brings a panel of women together for a conversation that connects and inspires its members.
Step Up's Annual Fundraisers
Inspiration Awards
Held in Beverly Hills each May, Inspiration Awards is an 800-guest, red carpet luncheon that honors women and brands who inspire women to inspire girls.
Shine & Dine
Nearly 800 guests attend Shine & Dine each August to sip and snack their way through tasting stations from Chicago's top eateries while raising vital funds for Step Up's mentorship programs.
Power Hour
Only at New York's Power Hour in October is it possible to rub elbows with top business minds (mentorship for you!) while raising impactful funds for Step Up programs (mentorship for her!).
