Congratulations to the STEP Class of 2020!
In addition to completing the most difficult course of study available at their schools, our graduates faced the unexpected obstacle of a global pandemic that disrupted their final semester of senior year. STEP Class of 2020 showed incredible perseverance through these challenges, maintaining energy and hope as they completed their high school tenure.
Abia Khan, a North High School graduate bound for Harvard University in the fall, summed up the unique challenges facing her class, as well as the courage of her peers:
“We all grew up in the post 9/11 era. We’ve witnessed social and political change throughout our entire lives. The Class of 2020 is strong, and I have no doubt in my mind that we will continue to be strong as we move forward in our lives.”
This past weekend, our graduates participated in a social-distance-appropriate photo shoot at a local park. The excitement of each graduate was palpable as they posed in their caps and gowns with their college pennants.
The faces of the STEP Class of 2020
As a final send-off, the Class of 2020 enjoyed a virtual celebration with STEP staff, board, and community partners. Genevieve Erickson, a graduate of University High School bound for Pomona College, reflected on her experience in STEP in a speech she delivered to her classmates:
“I am not exaggerating when I say that STEP has made me into the person I am today. Their encouragement showed me that my first gen, low income voice was valid in the face of wealthier, more academically supported students.”
The voices of the STEP Class of 2020 will be heard far and wide next year. Our 75 graduates are headed to 33 colleges and universities across the nation, including:
Arizona State University
Barrett, The Honors College at ASU
Bates College
Bowdoin College
Brown University
Claremont McKenna College
Colgate University
Colorado College
Columbia University
Cornell University
Grand Canyon University
Harvard University
Lehigh University
Middlebury College
Northern Arizona University
Pomona College
Princeton University
Rice University
Skidmore College
Smith College
Stanford University
Swarthmore College
Trinity College
University of Arizona
The Honors College at U of A
UNC - Chapel Hill
University of Chicago
University of Notre Dame
University of Pennsylvania
University of Rochester
University of Southern California
Wake Forest University
Washington University in St. Louis
While the global situation is still uncertain, one thing is clear: STEP’s Class of 2020 can weather any challenge!
From sea-kayaking in Alaskan waters to traveling solo across the country for campus visits, our graduates have shown time and again that they can successfully tackle the unknown. They are ready! Ready for the next step to college! After that – we can’t wait to see!