Steppingstone prepares Boston students for college success

Since his elementary school days, Nicholas Correia has seen education as a pathway to future success. A diligent and determined student, his hard work paid off when he was admitted to The Steppingstone Academy during his fifth-grade year. “When that letter came, I was so happy,” he recalls.

Since 1990, Steppingstone has prepared motivated students like Nicholas to succeed at top independent and public exam schools as a pathway to college. Over a 14-month period, Nicholas attended Steppingstone classes twice weekly during the school year and for six weeks in the summer. After working with his Steppingstone Advisor to identify independent schools that would be a good fit, he was admitted to Brimmer and May School, an independent school in Chestnut Hill.

Now a junior at Brimmer and May, Nicholas is thriving both in and out of the classroom. He plays soccer, starred in last year’s musical, gives tours to prospective students, and sings in the chamber choir. He was also selected to participate in the rigorous STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) diploma program, which requires him to complete advanced coursework, intensive field trips, and lab activities. He says he might never have pursued many of these opportunities without Steppingstone, noting, “I’ve grown out of my shell. Steppingstone prepared me to try new things and take risks.”

Nicholas spent last summer working as a Teaching Assistant for Steppingstone and says he chose to do so because, “I remember the TAs being a positive role model for me. I want to be that positive role model for younger Scholars. Steppingstone will make a difference in all of our lives and will help us go to college.”

As Nicholas prepares to apply to college, he and his family are extremely grateful for the resources Steppingstone provides, including SAT preparation classes, overnight college tours, essay and application help, and financial aid counseling. “My parents know that Steppingstone will help me through the application process, which is the biggest barrier for a lot of first-generation students,” he says.

Of the Steppingstone Scholars who complete the program, 99% graduate from high school, more than 90% enroll in a four-year college, and 80% graduate from a four-year college within six years.

Steppingstone accepts applications from motivated Boston students in grades four and five. Applications are due by January 6, 2016. For more information, call (617) 423-6300 or visit www.tsf.org/apply.