News Summary
The Summer Student Transition and Engagement (STEP) program, a collaboration between Detroit Drives Degrees and the Detroit College Access Network, is focused on supporting 1,000 students by the end of Summer 2025. Launched to combat ‘summer melt’ among high school seniors, the program offers resources for various post-graduation pathways. With 655 students currently assisted and a total of 5,833 students helped since 2021, 14 dedicated coaches are guiding students in Detroit and surrounding areas. Community engagement and awareness efforts are ongoing to promote these crucial support services.
Detroit — The Summer Student Transition and Engagement (STEP) program has entered its sixth year with the ambitious goal of supporting 1,000 students by the end of Summer 2025. This initiative is a collaboration between Detroit Drives Degrees and the Detroit College Access Network (DCAN), aimed at addressing the phenomenon known as “summer melt,” which occurs when high school seniors unexpectedly forego their post-graduation plans.
Supported by funding from the Ballmer Group, Summer STEP offers a variety of resources and guidance tailored to help students transition smoothly into their post-high school pathways. These pathways include options such as attending college, entering trade school, joining the workforce, enlisting in the military, or taking a gap year. The program is designed to provide personalized support across several areas, ranging from admissions assistance to guidance on basic needs and help with enrollment transitions.
Since partnering with DCAN in 2020, Summer STEP has made significant strides in supporting local students. From 2021 to 2024, the program successfully assisted a total of 5,833 students, illustrating its growing impact on the Detroit community. At present, Summer STEP is actively working with 655 students, and it aims to ramp up its efforts to reach its target of aiding 1,000 students by 2025.
To facilitate this support, 14 dedicated Summer STEP coaches have been hired, serving students across key areas including Detroit, Macomb County, Oakland County, and Wayne County. These coaches play an essential role in guiding students through their individual pathways and ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed.
Recently, Ezella McPherson, the Manager of College Access for Detroit Drives Degrees, promoted the Summer STEP program at Pershing High School’s College Decision Day on May 2. She also provided insights into the program during a Lunch and Learn session hosted by DCAN on May 8, further raising awareness about the opportunities available for students.
Individuals interested in learning more about the Summer STEP program or seeking assistance are encouraged to reach out to Ezella McPherson via email at emcpherson@detroitchamber.com. Additional information can also be found on the Summer STEP website.
The establishment of the Summer STEP program is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen business connections and community support within the Detroit region, as facilitated by the Detroit Regional Chamber. This initiative exemplifies a concerted effort to mitigate summer melt and ensure that students have access to critical resources that facilitate their transition from high school to their next steps—an essential goal for the continued growth and prosperity of the Detroit community.
As the Summer STEP program progresses towards its target of 1,000 students, it highlights the importance of community cooperation in creating pathways for success and stability for young individuals in Detroit and its surrounding areas.
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Additional Resources
- Detroit Chamber: Summer STEP Program Update
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