Next Steps Program Launches New Advisors to Empower Arizona Students
Every year, Earn to Learn’s Next Steps Program embarks on the exciting task of selecting and preparing new advisors to serve high schools across Arizona. This process, while rigorous, is an opportunity for us to connect with enthusiastic, dedicated individuals ready to make a difference in the lives of high school students. The 2024 cohort of Next Steps advisors kicked off their journey with an orientation held on August 17th in Phoenix, Arizona.
Our dedicated Next Steps team, consisting of four program team members, hosted a comprehensive 6-hour orientation session for the 42 new near-peer advisors. These advisors, who are recent college graduates or advanced undergraduates, are assigned to 32 educational sites across the state. Their mission? To provide critical support to students in navigating the often-challenging path toward postsecondary education and career success.
The Next Steps Program is designed to help students, particularly in Title I schools, bridge the gap between high school and their future careers or educational endeavors. Our advisors offer personalized guidance in key areas such as financial aid applications, college admissions, and career exploration. This supplementary counseling ensures that students, who may not otherwise have access to these resources, are well equipped to make informed decisions about their futures.
Our advisors play a crucial role in supporting schools that may be understaffed or overwhelmed, working alongside existing counselors to leave a lasting impact. Their efforts not only help students but also leave schools better prepared to guide future classes of students through their own postsecondary transitions.
What makes the Next Steps Program particularly impactful is its focus on students from underserved communities. By placing advisors in primarily Title I schools, we ensure that resources and support are directed where they are needed most. This aligns with Earn to Learn’s broader mission of promoting equity and access to education for all.
As the 2024 cohort begins its work, we are excited to see the positive influence these advisors will have on students across Arizona. With each new group of advisors, we renew our commitment to empowering students to explore all their postsecondary options, whether through college, vocational training, or other career pathways.
For more information about the Next Steps Program and how it’s shaping the futures of Arizona students, visit https://earntolearn.org/programs-next-steps-program.