S.T.E.P. Up DC

Location: 
Washington, D.C.
Issue: 
Youth Advocacy
Dates Of Project: 
Ongoing
Partner: 
DC Alliance of Youth Advocates

 

S.T.E.P. Up DC is an issue-focused citywide education organizing initiative based in northwest Washington, D.C.  Our goal is to identify, train and support youth leaders who can build the power to create policy changes that ensure every student graduates prepared for higher education or meaningful employment.  S.T.E.P. Up D.C. is coordinated by two D.C. nonprofits – Critical Exposure and the DC Alliance of Youth Advocates.

During last school year, S.T.E.P. Up DC completed an 8-month policy platform development and issue selection process with a group of student leaders from across the city.  Through this process we identified several key policy changes key to increasing the graduation rates in D.C. high schools: college and career prep curriculum, freshman transition supports, and student support services including individual graduation plans.  We culminated this policy campaign with the “Five-Nineteen: Graduation and Better Education March” on May 19th from Cardozo High School to Howard University.  S.T.E.P. Up DC also facilitated our 2nd Annual Youth Leadership Summer Institute during Summer 2010.

S.T.E.P. Up DC is currently working with youth and adult leaders in several northwest D.C. high schools to organize campaigns around local school issues.  If you are interested in learning more about S.T.E.P. Up DC, visit our website at www.stepupdc.net.