What is Next Steps of Hope?
Next Steps of Hope is an academic support program designed to help students aged 12-20 who are either currently in or recently transitioned from out-of-home care. We are currently pursuing 501(c)(3) status.
The program offerings are customized to each individual student and services are provided by Sustainable Formations until our nonprofit status is secured. The program is free to all students who are accepted.
What makes the program different from other academic support services currently available?
First of all, the program targets youth between the ages of 12-20 who are currently in out-of-home-care or who have been in out-of-home care during the previous 12 months.
Our program is customized to each individual student meaning that we can provide tutoring services and academic coaching in any content area, serve as an advocate during IEP/504 meetings, and/or assist students with connections to outside agencies.
Best of all, the program is totally free to every student that is accepted into the program. We have a wide network of donors who make this work possible.
Why start a program like this?
Our belief is that all kids in out-of-home care should have educational case managers. Social workers are already tasked with impossible caseloads and have limited experience in the realm of educational advocacy.
Our final push to launch this program happened when a 17 year old student needed a tutor in the summer of 2020. He was in out-of-home care at the time and was working on credit recovery. As the school year started and he was reunified, a fuller picture began to appear. He was 17.5 years old with just 7 credits. No one at his large school knew who he was. All of his IEP evaluations had been waived for the last ten years. No plan was in place for him to pursue an alternate pathway towards graduation. The student shared that he didn’t see the point in attending school for another 2-3 years.
Thankfully, we connected at the right time. He received tutoring services that first semester and passed 7 classes for the first time in his high school career. While working on those classes, we got connected with the school and scheduled meetings with everyone until we gathered alternative education options. We completed the application process for a competency-based program in his school and waited to hear back.
He was accepted into the program mid-February and he made a commitment to do whatever was needed. No cancelled sessions. No days off for spring break. No excuses.
He graduated that May.
His story is such a moving case study because he has always wanted to be successful. Many adults in many places had failed him. He was well on his way to dropping out of school and no one had noticed.
Community donors and people who know this student made sure that those last three months of academic services were completely paid for. They generously told us that they would cover whatever hours were needed. So the question emerged: Why can’t we help more students who desperately need this kind of academic support?
We think we can raise enough money for the upcoming academic year and that the positive outcomes will continue to speak for themselves. As we collect more data from our engagements with students, we intend to use the action research to pursue more traditional forms of funding in the future.
Who is eligible for the program?
We will be happy to assist students and caregivers as they complete the application. Here’s a list of eligibility requirements:
Currently enrolled in school or alternative academic pathway
Between the ages of 12 and 20 as of September 1, 2024
Currently under-performing academically (evidence of low grades, failing courses, over age and under credit)
Currently in out-of-home care OR in out-of-home care in the past 12 months
Located or available to meet in/near greater Milwaukee area
While not an absolute requirement, an application is more likely to be accepted if:
The student has availability for tutoring and support services between the hours of 8-5 on weekdays (in some instances, services may be provided within the school setting)
The student (if over 18) or legal guardian is willing to sign a release so that the instructor may view educational records and communicate with the school, advisor, or academic team as needed
How many students get into the program?
For the fall semester, we are expecting to be able to serve 4 local students. (We do have additional spaces available for students who only require a summer session for support with foundational skills and/or credit recovery classes.) Students who are accepted into the program after spots have been filled will be placed on our waiting list. If a student leaves the program or additional funds are secured, we will reach out to students in the order of the waiting list.
How long can students receive support services?
The timeline for each student varies based on their reasons for joining the program and their current academic pathway. In most cases, students are eligible to receive support services for 3-6 months. The length of services will be determined during the intake process and there may be instances when a student would qualify for services beyond 6 months.
What commitments would a student need to make?
There are three major commitments:
Openness to learning new skills, engaging in academic tasks, and improving academic standing
Consistently attend sessions (at least 2 hours/week is required to stay in program)
Manage frustration safely
How do I apply?
The application can be found by clicking this link: Next Steps of Hope Application
How can we help?
It is our sincere hope to serve more students when Next Steps of Hope officially becomes classified as a nonprofit organization. The program is currently 100% funded by donations from community members. Here are some of the ways you can help:
Connect us to other community partners who could offer financial support to fund our programming
Share information about the program with those in your network
Donate school supplies--most students do not have all the materials they need to be successful
If you have another idea about how you can support the program’s mission, please feel free to contact Amanda directly: amanda@sustainableformations.com