Step Forward - Step Ahead
Step Forward - Step Ahead is an enrichment program at Elms College for middle school and high school girls from under-served populations who have high academic potential. It is a multifaceted, year-round program, which begins working with girls in the sixth grade, and continues working with them until they reach college age. Step Forward is the middle school level of the program, and Step Ahead is the high school level.

The goals of the programs are to:

• decrease drop-out rates for these girls,
• foster family involvement in education,
• offer an incentive alternative to drugs and teenage pregnancy, and
• prepare girls for success in school and work.

During the school year, the girls participate in a Saturday success program, designed to offer academic enrichment and cultural activities. A summer program includes two weeks of commuter fine arts programming and a two-week residential academic program. The program also includes family orientation nights, events, and meetings.
High school girls in the Step Ahead program can also take college-level courses during the summer and participate in paid internships at the college.

The program:

• Provides stability, consistency, and clear boundaries
• Places high intellectual and behavioral expectations on its scholars
• Gives girls a sense of identity
• Encourages girls to set goals and work to achieve them
• Builds a community of pride among the girls and their families

Step Forward scholars are staying in school and doing well. Their report cards and teacher evaluations attest to their continuing academic improvement.