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Join Our Mailing ListSan Diego Statue University Research Foundation
5250 Campanile Drive
San Diego , CA 92182
Phone: (619) 594-8945
Fax: (619) 594-6963
E-mail: slindsay@mail.sdsu.edu
Title: Student Team Empowerment Program (STEP)
Project Director: Suzanne P. Linsay
Project Amount Funded (FY 2006): $250,000
Target Population: African American and Hispanic/Latino Youth, Grades 6-8
The Institute for Public Health at San Diego State University , San Diego Youth & Community Services (SDYCS), and the Roosevelt and Pacific Beach Middle School have partnered to create the Student Team Empowerment Program (STEP) . The program reaches out to 35 at-risk youth, ages 11-13, in the Golden Hill, Sherman Heights , North Park, Hillcrest, and Barrio Logan communities in San Diego . Students are selected for the STEP program during the beginning of their sixth grade year and remain in the program throughout middle school. The aim of the program is to equip youth with the mentoring and tools necessary to succeed in middle school, high school, and college. Core components of the program are as follows. (1) Academic Enrichment, where each student receives one-on-one tutoring and takes part in a “Power Hour”devoted to tutoring, homework assistance, study groups, and computer labs. (2) Personal Development and Wellness, where students take part in activities designed to promote and enhance positive self concepts and healthy lifestyles through weekly Life Skills Training which covers topics such as making decisions, smoking, and self image. In addition, students are partnered with trained college mentors who provide emotional support, academic assistance, and exposure to experiences that youth might not otherwise encounter on their own. (3) Cultural Enrichment activities, designed to create an understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, and promote awareness of students heritage. Activities include attendance at programs that feature music, dance, traditional costumes, arts, crafts, ethnic foods, youth organized cultural fairs, and activities structured around different cultural/heritage celebrations (Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month). (4) Career Development activities, focus on helping students understand a wide range of career choices, assisting students in their development of personal and social skills, and the presentation of materials prepared by the Health Resources and Services Administration's “Kids into Health Careers” Program. Students take part in community service events which they selected and include The National Night Out Event and service projects with the San Diego Police Department Junior League and/or the Greater Golden Hill Community Development Corporation. Parent-child interactions are included in each component of the program.