$194,388 raised by 271 donors
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Forward Steps fills an important gap that helps ensure post-secondary education success by providing financial assistance, mentorship, life-skills training and individualized coaching.
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"The Guardian Scholarship Program has helped me achieve my goals and continue with my education. The program has helped me by providing food and school supplies when I didn't have a job. Lauren, my mentor, has also been helpful to me, providing me with some counseling resources and getting the school supplies that I needed." - Edwige Kalunga, Undergraduate at Metropolitan State University of Denver |
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By investing in their lives, Forward Steps empowers youth and young adults, including current and former foster youth, so they can reach their full potential as independent, healthy and contributing members of their communities. |
"Even if you don't get to know some of the scholars who are benefiting from your efforts. We are all thankful to you. You are making my dream possible and giving me a chance to make my future successful. I think that this is the best gift you could give someone." - Emily, current participant
"What remained consistent throughout this journey has been Forward Steps. I couldn't have gotten to this point in my life without the support of my Forward Steps family."
- Racheal, former Forward Steps Scholar Bachelors of Science, Human Services and Occupational Therapy
Metropolitan State University. Class of 2019
"Forwards Steps has been a primary support during this COVID -19 crisis. Forwards Steps offered extra support by weekly check-ins and even webinars on how to manage self-care and mental health during this time." - Angie, current participant
"During these times of global crisis, Forward Steps has been a continuous support system for me."
- Lonni, former participant. Bachelor's in Social Work, Metropolitan State University of Denver. Class of 2020
"In the Forward Steps' Mentor, I have someone who expects things from me because she believes in me even when I don't have any faith in myself. I know that I'm not alone, I know that she is there if I need a cry, a laugh or a hug." - Jackie, current participant
"Thanks to Forward Steps, I know that I still have a support system and someone who will be there to make sure I stay on the right track." - Dylan, current participant
"I am grateful for all the programs that support me but none of them take the time to check in with me the way Forward Steps does. Even before I set foot in school, forward steps organized "College Boot Camp" in June for me and the other scholars. At Boot Camp, we were told what to expect in college. I do not know who would've filled that role for me if Forward Steps did not take the time to do this." - Current scholar
By investing in their lives, Forward Steps empowers youth and young adults at risk, including current and former foster youth, so they can reach their full potential as independent, healthy and contributing members of their communities.
By investing in their lives, Forward Steps supports underserved youth and young adults, including current and former foster youth, so they can reach their full potential as independent, healthy and contributing members of their communities. The organization was founded in 2006 in response to troubling statistics regarding poor short and long-term outcomes for youth with experience in the foster care system. The Forward Steps Guardian Scholars Program for foster youth living in CO was established with the aim of providing vital emotional support, mentoring, coaching, career guidance and financial assistance as they transition into adulthood and pursue postsecondary education.
In 2021, Forward Steps merged with the Realizing Aptitudes Foundation, a nonprofit organization that shared the same founder and commitment to supporting youth as they develop and pursue a vision of what’s possible for their futures.
The organization works to advance equitable access along the education and workforce development talent pipeline in Colorado through navigation and wrap around supports, and customized career and postsecondary readiness programming through its two programs: Guardian Scholars and Realizing Aptitudes.
Through both programs, Forward Steps promotes a multiple pathway model in its career development work focused on the transition from high school to postsecondary enrollment and attainment, and workforce readiness and entry. The coaches and mentors in both programs employ a multicultural competent, targeted 1:1 and small group approach, crucial to building rapport and engaging students who previously thought that postsecondary training or education and a fulfilling career were not an option for them.
Organization name
Forward Steps Foundation
other names
Forward Steps
2006
Tax id (EIN)
20-5092412
Category
Education, Human Services, Youth Development
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
P.O. Box 3484Boulder County, CO, US
