Program Summary
The Rochester Step-Off started more than 10 years ago. The Rochester Step-Off Program is a grass-roots activity begun in February 1994 as an outgrowth of efforts with the community to change the image and experience of new generation youth, to encourage them to complete their education and to prepare under-served youth for self-sufficiency as adults. The program is designed to reduce the barriers that impede success in school and encourage the pursuit of a college education. Rochester Step-Off has proven that contact with the collegiate traditions of step has inspired young people to pursue higher education, personal goals and community services. Above all, Rochester Step-Off has remained rooted in the fundamental principle for it's formation…a dedication to the betterment of youth.

Mission and Vision
Our mission at Rochester Step-Off is to strengthen and develop youth by improved or enhanced, academic performance, personal character, civic responsibility, physical conditioning, and community partnerships. Our vision is to serve youth not only to succeed academically but also to excel in life.

Program Objectives
We strive to ensure that youth participating in our programs will be prepared to achieve success in higher education and beyond. Participating youth are able to break down the barriers and stereotypes of society, accept higher education as a fact for themselves, demonstrate concern for their futures and community, and adopt a life long spirit of community service. While utilizing the discipline and historical and cultural expression of stepping

Participants operate under what is called the Rochester Step Accord, which are a set of principles, and guidelines, these common guidelines and understandings promote collaboration and high standards which creates the Rochester Step Team Model,

1. Provide an academic improvement component that rewards achievement amends deficiencies and prepares for college.

2. Create opportunities for self-development and cultural enhancement.

3. Perform civic services.

4. Respect physical conditioning, safety and good sportsmanship.

5. Develop long-term and active partnerships with community agencies as a means of reinforcing the preceding principles.

Impact
The Program is also consistent with the Foundation commitment to assist new solutions to systemic problems that impede minority youth education, and advancement to higher education. It creates a pipeline for youth between the 2nd and 12th grades, as well as the community support needed to maintain participant continuity to higher education. Step-Off youth are exposed to higher education, given a personal incentive for excelling academically, and provided all of the necessary supports to succeed. They are also provided a contiguous, ongoing support environment focused on real life options, career development and continuing education.

Step-Off operates within the structure of both neighborhood schools and familiar community-based organizations. It expands the traditional approach to educating youth within "four walls " helping to create positive attitudes towards life-education and the community. Participating youth learn the functional purpose of education and supportive community resources. They are provided tutoring and additional assistance to offset learning deficiencies, and experience ways to apply theories learned in class to practical Step-Off experiences, and vice verse. (For instance, elementary school youth learn mathematics by executing the beats that result from choreographed Step-Off routines).

Review of Step-Off participant performance indicates it is accompanied by a grade point increase in school grades, and reduction in teen-pregnancies. Through community support program youth completing high school are also provided scholarship opportunities to help support their higher education.

Stepping fills a gap in community resources, helping young people shift between the excitement of elementary school, the challenges and frustrations of vagaries of middle-school and high school, transitioning towards college. Participants are provided tutoring, case management and additional assistance to offset learning deficiencies, and experience ways to apply theories learned in class to practical Step-Off experiences, and vice versa.