How One Arizona Program Is Helping Low-Income Students

My college experience was likely the best time of my life. I lived with and among friends, was constantly involved with something or another, and was able to further my education so that I could be here, doing what I love.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the same opportunities that I did. That shouldn't stop everyone for striving to further their education and personal growth however, and one Arizona program is making sure everyone has a chance.

The Student Expedition Program

Founded in 2002, STEP was born on one simple observation. Tracy Baynes had worked for most of her life teaching experimental programs. Whether they be Semester at Sea, Outward Bound, or NOLS, she noticed something: everyone involved came from wealthy families.

She wanted a change, so she created STEP, a program meant to support and help first generation or low-income students live their college dreams. Initially, the program was focused on expeditions around the globe to help these students break out of their comfort zones and build confidence, but soon it became a bona-fide college prep program.

Get our free mobile app

Read More: Why Does Arizona Insist on Paying More for College?

Alaska Summers to Arizona Falls

This year, the program enters its 20th year of operation (they didn't start travel until 2005), and things couldn't be going better. 36 Arizona students took the journey to Alaska for the summer, sea kayaking for three weeks, building their confidence step by step.

Students this year raved about the program, claiming they were given a larger view of the world that made their problems seem more solvable, and that's exactly what STEP wants to do.

Since its founding, 96% of those attending the program have graduated with, or are in the process of obtaining, a college degree.

[STEP]

[NBC4]