Next Step College Readiness (and Next Step for Teen Dads)

Next Step is a college-readiness program that provides mentoring support for pregnant and parenting teens. The program, which is open to both teen moms and teen dads, begins in the junior year of high school and continues through high school graduation.

Next Step addresses the educational needs of pregnant and parenting teens through the support of mentors. The mentor program includes college educated professionals who are established in their careers, and peer mentors who are teen moms currently in college. Along with Next Step staff, the mentors work closely with the teen parents to offer a structured, interactive curriculum focused on preparation necessary for high school graduation, college entrance preparation, career planning and ultimately, self-sufficiency. Mentors assist participants with career and college choices, financial aid forms, budgeting, referrals and references, college and scholarship applications, computer skills, college trips and tours.