Step Up Program

Step UP: Students Learning from Students, a program of the W.E.B. Du Bois Society aimed at helping high-potential, black middle school students gain the skills, knowledge, motivation, and confidence necessary to compete more successfully in high school and beyond. Our goal is to inspire and motivate these students to discover that not only is it "cool to be smart", but that learning is fun and creates options for future success.

Middle school years are the critical crossroads where students make choices that will dramatically affect their futures. We believe that by connecting high-performing high school and college students to high-potential middle school students, we can influence these students to make better choices about their academic performance early in the game and challenge them to work harder and with the dedication and discipline needed to achieve this success. Moreover, we believe these students are likely to be more receptive to messages about the importance of academic success and community leadership coming from students who look like them and have traveled similar roads, beset with similar obstacles. And, by providing their parents with necessary and often over-looked information, we are equipping the single most important influencer in student’s lives to become better managers of their children’s educational experience.

Step UP matches middle school students from KIPP WAYS Academy with Du Bois Scholars who mentor and encourage them to achieve their best self. KIPP WAYS students join Du Bois Scholars three times during the 20-week program: on a field trip, one lecture in the series and a half-day program aimed at helping students build the tools they need to support their learning. Du Bois Scholars and Fellows team up to work creatively and collectively to increase students understanding of the importance of effective study habits and test taking strategies, as well as organizational skills, supportive peer groups and more.

A parent forum, focused on providing middle school parents with information on ways to successfully support their students in high school and prepare for college, is also available.

The W.E.B. Du Bois Society’s mission is to develop and promote a culture of academic achievement and excellence among African American students at all levels. We want to make high-achieving African-American students heroes among their peers, in order to encourage large numbers of other students to emulate their behavior and accomplishments.

To inquire about how your middle school students can Step UP, contact Etienne R. LeGrand by e-mail at e.legrand@webduboissociety.org or by phone at 404-231-0870.