A STEP AHEAD
September 2021
News and Updates for
Friends of Building STEPS
BUILDING STUDENT CONFIDENCE
Orientation 2021: Back In Person!
Building STEPS newest cohort and returning high school seniors sported their masks and were excited to kick off the program year. Seniors created Common Application accounts and reviewed college timelines while our newest Building STEPS students learned about the year ahead full of STEM exploration and preparing for college success. Special thanks to Towson University for hosting and the campus tour!
Partnership with Chegg
Chegg is generously providing our students with 50% off textbooks this fall. What a gift to our students as they start their semester. Just one more way Building STEPS positions its students for college success. Thank you Chegg!
MAKING HEADLINES
Building STEPS In The News
Building STEPS is proud to be featured in two STEM-focused publications:
STEM/ED Magazine, an international publication that highlights best
practices in STEM education, and Technical.ly, an online news organization with a focus on technology and career development. Click on article headlines below to read more!
But Wait...There's More Great News!
A huge thank you to Blue Planet (a division of Ciena), for gifting our first year college students with a tech package including a brand new laptop! Laptops were hand delivered to our graduating high school seniors equipping them with a tool to set them up for a successful start to their next chapter. Several television stations captured the moment.
QUOTES AND NOTES
Volunteer Spotlight
A silver lining to the remote world has been the increase in volunteer support. Building STEPS now has volunteers making a difference from six different states. Meet Jina Etienne, CPA, CMGA, Principal of Etienne Consulting and volunteer extraordinaire. Jina has volunteered as a Professional Development Guide, Writing Advisor, Digital Outreach Team Member and participated in our virtual Networking Experience.  
1. What made you sign on as a volunteer with Building STEPS? 

When I learned about the organization, I knew it was something I wanted to support. I know, from my own experience, how hard it can be to navigate your way from high school to college. I got lucky and didn't mess things up too badly along the way, but it would've been so much easier with support, encouragement and guidance. So, I want to provide that for these students. 

2. What has been your favorite experience with volunteering so far?  

I really loved being a Writing Advisor this past summer. The students were incredible, and they had such wonderful stories. I think I learned more from them than they did from me! 
A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words
Some of our favorite moments happen when you least expect them. Our team is laser focused on supporting students through the college match, application and selection process. When a first generation college student shares photos of their freshman dorm room, it really hits you! This is what they worked so hard to achieve! Our job is never done; we stay connected through the backpack to briefcase transition.
Doing Our Part
Did You Know...
Since 1989, Hispanic Heritage Month has been celebrated September 15 through October 15. September 15 is a key date in its history when Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua declared their independence from Spain in 1821. Click to find a celebration.