Pasos for Oak Cliff

Our mission is to empower youth through sneakers, educational, and art programs to elevate their social-economic mobility. We equip children with the tools they need to break the cycle of poverty and become affluent citizens that improve our society and economy. 

Founded by two educators in 2020, Pasos began with a simple goal: raise $1,500 to provide 50 children with new shoes for school. The community responded by tripling that goal in just one week, allowing us to serve 150 children. What began with a pair of sneakers has since grown into a pathway of support designed to help students from elementary school through high school graduation and into their next step. Today, our work is organized through the Pasos Pathway, which focuses on three interconnected areas: Sneakers, Education, and Scholarships. Guided by our C.A.R.E. values—Community & Culture, Art, Responsibility, and Education—we address immediate needs while creating long-term opportunities for academic achievement, college access, career readiness, and economic mobility.

As of August 2026, Pasos has:

• Provided 6,100+ children with new shoes and essential school resources.
• Served 100+ students through academic, creative arts, and workforce readiness programming.
• Awarded $80,000+ in scholarships to graduating students from Title I schools.

The Opportunity Gap

• Household Income
  • Median household income in several Oak Cliff ZIP codes is approximately $50,000–$57,000, compared with approximately $90,000 across the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.
  • That represents an annual household income gap of roughly $33,000–$40,000 for families in some of the communities we serve.
• Basic Needs & School Participation
  • In Pasos' family survey, 85% of participating families reported being unable to afford new shoes for their children.
  • 49% reported their child had missed school because they lacked appropriate shoes, while 52% reported their child had experienced bullying related to inadequate footwear.
• Academic Opportunity
  • Students from economically disadvantaged communities are less likely to have access to supplemental tutoring, technology, arts enrichment, college preparation, and career exploration outside of school.
  • Through Pasos All Stars, we combine academic intervention with creative arts, college exposure, career exploration, and workforce readiness to help close these gaps.

Our Response: The Pasos Pathway

We believe a pair of shoes can solve an immediate need—but it should not be the end of our relationship with a student.

A child may first encounter Pasos by receiving a new pair of sneakers. As they grow, they can participate in academic and creative enrichment through Pasos All Stars, explore colleges and careers, develop workforce skills, serve their community, and ultimately pursue a Pasos scholarship as they graduate from high school.

Our goal is to create a continuum of opportunity that meets students where they are and helps them take their next step.

Sneakers meet an immediate need. Education creates opportunity. Scholarships help students take the next step.