Step Up

Your donation empowers girls to become confident, connected, and career-ready.

Step Up mentorship programs empower over 2,700 teen girls and young women ages 14-29 across the country facing economic barriers to pursue pathways to leadership, education, and career opportunities. In Dallas, Step Up partners with five high schools through confidence-building and career exploration programming, field trips to corporate offices, and mentorship from professionals, providing teens with the tools to be upwardly mobile and break through systemic barriers. $5,000 will help us fund one semester of mentorship programming for teen girls at one high school in Dallas. 

"Step Up gave me my first internship, my first college tour, and the confidence to pursue opportunities. Experiencing mentorship was influential in my decision to study Sociology as an undergraduate, with a focus on education. Post‑graduation, I entered the education nonprofit sector. I spent almost a decade supporting first‑generation students as they navigated carving their own paths. Step Up was my firsthand example of the power of having someone believe in you." - Step Up Program Alum

The Current Climate

In today's climate, young women face real barriers to success:

* The CDC released findings that today's teen girls are experiencing sadness, violence and trauma at record levels (twice the rate of boys). 

*50% of women under 30 report missing opportunities due to their age, and they are twice as likely as young men

*fewer companies cite gender and racial diversity as priorities, leading to declines in internal career development and mentorship programs geared towards women

Step Up's Solution

* Dynamic and innovative mentorship programming

* Dedicated and diverse mentors

* Career exploration based on individual strengths, values, and preferences

The Impact of Your Support

After participating in Step Up programs in 2025, teens and young adults reported the following outcomes in their growth:

• 96% reported growth in their confidence and their ability to make choices about and take an active role in their life path. 
• 97% reported growth in self-awareness and an understanding of their own values, interests, and strengths. 
• 97% reported an increase in skill growth and capability to perform roles, complete tasks, and achieve their objectives.