The playing field isn’t always level due to the wealth gap that exists within and beyond the Brookline community, but one Brookline Public Schools (BPS) program is giving students with less opportunity a boost: a continuous support network that tackles everything from summer jobs to post-college life.
Founded in 2001, the Steps to Success (STS) program provides students from low-income families (those who qualify for free and reduced lunch) with helpful tools and guidance from third grade all the way to their first job after college. STS organizes field trips and homework help centers. High schoolers also get assistance with SAT preparation and applying to colleges.
STS adviser Christian Andrews said that he was drawn to his job because he felt like he could make a difference by helping students manage the social and emotional aspects of school life.
“My specific role is to help students and families navigate day-to-day challenges, both in society in general and within the school system,” Andrews explained. “Overall, STS works to provide them with the services, resources and opportunities they need to have an equitable experience here at Brookline High School.”
The STS high school advisers partner with the College Success Initiative (CSI), which is part of Steps to Success Inc. They work together to help students find jobs throughout the year, as well as internships during the summer.
Members of the CSI team also take on the role of advisers while students are in college.
“Even after students graduate high school, they have somebody from Steps to Success to talk to them and help them navigate the college process,” Andrews said.
Abigail Jaynes, who graduated from the high school in 2018 and was a STS student, has returned to the high school and now works as a biology teacher. She stays connected with the program by volunteering at events. Jaynes attributes her success to the program and all of its advisers.
“Without them, I would not be where I am now, especially with college help,” Jaynes said. “It’s not like once you graduate high school they leave you alone. They’re always checking in with you through college, and even after college.”
Jaynes said that the summer job opportunities made the biggest impact.
“[Summer jobs] were the most important part for me. Every summer I had a job, so I learned what I liked and didn’t like. That helped me figure out what I might want to do in the future,” Jaynes said.
Sophomore Naveena Lanham is part of the STS program and has already worked at two jobs that STS helped her find.
“I worked with BEEP in the preschool summer program. I also did another summer school program for kids going from first to second grade who are practicing their English,” Lanham said. “STS gives you so many job opportunities, internships, college and university tours in Boston, and they also help get schoolwork done, which is really nice.”
Lanham said that along with the job opportunities STS has provided her, she has made new friends.
“I’ve met some cool advisers and met a lot of my friends here,” Lanham said. “Some of the people I already knew, but I didn’t talk to them until high school, when all the schools came together. That’s when I got to see more Steps to Success kids.”
Although the STS program makes a powerful impact on students’ lives, Andrews said that it can sometimes be difficult to help them navigate the challenges that society presents.
“Taking a more macro look, we’re in a system that isn’t always as fair as it could be, so helping students find their way through that system and overcome those obstacles can definitely be challenging,” Andrews said. “There isn’t much I can do to change that besides advocating for change and supporting students in the best ways that I can.”
Jaynes explained that while STS advisers play a big role in supporting students, it is important that students themselves are not afraid to ask for help.
“Just make sure you lean on the program more and actually access everything STS can give you,” Jaynes said. “Remember that they’re always there. If you ask them for anything, they’ll help you find it. Literally anything, just ask.”
Ultimately, Andrews said that the most rewarding part of being an STS adviser is to see how much students grow throughout their years in the program.
“I’ve only been here for two years, but even in that time, I have already seen students grow,” Andrews said. “Seeing how students have improved academically, become more independent and gained a better ability to make strong decisions for their lives, that’s the best part.”
