While pursuing their dreams of a college degree, STEP scholars still make time to engage in volunteer work to help lift up their communities.
Here are eight stories of STEPPERs in action, giving back and already making differences in the world.
Aaron T.
Junior at University High School
Aaron T. and his volunteer group helping at Tucson Village Farm.
“Once a week, I stay after school for two hours to tutor refugees, language learners, or just regular students on a variety of subjects.
For the past two years, I've been a Red Cross volunteer because I am a member of my school's IHL club; it's a club dedicated to educating other people on International Humanitarian Law.
I also help run a volunteering club, where we just help with anything that’s needed. We've helped build garden beds at Felicia's Farm, organized a parade for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, made Christmas cards for the elderly, helped Kellond Elementary students buy Christmas gifts for their families, packaged care kits for the homeless, and assisted in coordinating Journey Church's Night To Shine event.
It feels good to do good, plus, it makes other people feel good, so it’s a win-win. Numerous people have helped me out throughout my life, so I feel that it’s my duty to give back to the community. No matter what I do in the future, as long as it makes positive contributions in the world, I’ll be happy.”
Maryan R.
Senior at Bioscience High School
Maryan teaching her peers about the importance of water purification education and access to clean water.
“I co-founded an organization named AQUAlidad. Our mission is to educate under-resourced communities about the dangers of consuming unsafe drinking water.
It all started when I was in 8th grade. At the time, I was a member of an engineering club called MESA and joined fellow members for a national engineering challenge to solve a worldwide water problem. After much deliberation and research, we discovered an evident issue in many Dominican Republic communities: a lack of education regarding clean water and purification. We developed mobile curriculum with visual demonstrations that dispelled myths and misconceptions about water purification, and two years later, even designed a physical water filtration system prototype. Since then, we’ve partnered with SolarSPELL to create and distribute our curriculum via an offline library of culturally responsive learning materials and provided communities with limited access to grid-tied electricity with our solar powered water filtration kits.
This work is important to me because I have seen the impact it has on communities. In fact, I’ve visited the Dominican Republic and taught people first-hand. Everyone reports profound value in the information we provide. We plan to return soon for another round of teaching.”
Erik R.
Junior at Betty H. Fairfax High School
Erik helping at an interactive community art fair.
“I serve as a member and student advisor for the Arizona Department of Education Post-Secondary Committee. We engage in discussions regarding resources and processes to ultimately increase the percentage of Arizonians that attend college. Additionally, as a member of the National Honor Society and International Baccalaureate Club, I participate in a number of community service events, including hosting school tours and peer tutoring. We are always present at any community event that gives us the opportunity to make a positive impact.”
Zahraa A.
Junior at Central High School
Zahraa teaching students how to overcome stress and understand mental health at the first Bobcat Zen Den meeting .
“I started most of my philanthropic work over the last two years (since COVID-19 began) and am active in a number of organizations:
I am the founder and President of Bobcat Zen Den, a mental health and wellness club focused on raising awareness and supporting teenage mental health. I help provide safe space for students to express themselves, and contribute to the coordination and production of mental health events.
I am an officer for Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). We promote, fundraise, and collect toys for children during the holidays.
I am the Vice President of the Student Wellness Advocacy Team (SWAT). SWAT focuses on introducing students to health and wellness strategies on a weekly basis.
I am the Treasurer of my school’s Interact club. We’ve done many things. Most memorably, we participated in The Red Sand Project to raise awareness around sex trafficking. Additionally, we fundraised for polio and to distribute vaccinations across the world. Most recently, we attended an Interact Conference where we learned about Crutches for Africa and the Philippines Learning Project.
In the past, I volunteered at my local mosque to prepare food boxes and distribute them to low-income households. I also attended the Duke University Bioethics in Global Surgery Pre-college program, where I learned about the healthcare struggles that other countries face.
I believe education is key to making a difference. The fact is: the world is a scary place. But if I can make a small impact, then perhaps I can make it a less scary place. I’ve also learned that, sometimes, a smile is all someone needs, and that everyone has struggles, but we’re more similar than we think.”
Juan I.
Junior at Trevor G. Browne High School
Juan helping clean graffiti off of public walls.
“I’ve participated in community service efforts since the 6th grade. When I was younger, my mom was a part of Estrella Super Moms. I joined her and the other moms to clean alleys and parks, and remove graffiti. Soon after, I discovered that Estrella Super Moms worked with a program called Wake Up. In addition to restoring the community, Wake Up volunteers worked at senior centers and the St. Mary's Food Bank, packaging emergency food boxes for those in need. I joined their endeavors, and quickly fell in love with philanthropy. I returned year after year and even participated in the summer months, meeting other Wake Up groups from Arizona schools.
Additionally, I joined several organizations in school, including Linq Crew: an organization that helps freshman adapt to high school; and Chicano Student Movement of Aztlán ( M.E.Ch.A for short, of which I am currently President), a student run organization that donates toys and school resources to needy students and schools in Mexico. We even donated money to help a few students become eligible to attend school. There is no price that can cover the act of a kind deed.”
Rose E.
Senior at Skyline High School
Rose participating in a Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade to honor the late civil rights icon.
“I joined the Black Student Union at my school last year. I am really passionate about understanding other cultures and spreading awareness about the experiences (good and bad) that people of color regularly face.
The biggest lesson I've learned throughout my involvement is the power of discussion. It may not seem like much to start a conversation with someone about history or current events, but I've seen a lot of growth in my community and in myself. And it all started with a conversation.”
Daniel M.
Junior at Flowing Wells High School
“I was elected President of the Interact Club at my school. We focus on giving back to our community by participating in volunteer work and by helping to coordinate donation events. Most recently, we partnered with BASIS Tucson North and led the clean-up efforts at a neighboring community park. Additionally, we regularly partner with Spreading Threads, a non-profit clothing organization that hosts clothing events for foster parents to receive clothes for their foster children. And we’re planning to assist with the Festival of Books at the University of Arizona, as well as actively seeking out future opportunities.
Outside of Interact Club, I am the Historian for our school's NHS club. We’re currently creating our processes and plans, but are hoping to host a school-wide Food Bank event associated with the state-wide Wrestling Tournament this month [March 2022].
I don’t feel like volunteering is a choice, but a duty to help my neighbors. In return, it’s helped me gain confidence and empowered me to use my voice for the betterment of others.”
Adilene D.
Senior at South Mountain High School
“I joined the WORKS coalition in 2022 to help create fun, interactive events for students during the pandemic to combat loneliness and empower healthy habits. WORKS coalition trained me and the other volunteers how to give drug prevention presentations and help provide support for those seeking second chances. On top of that, I help an animal welfare club network and find new fundraising opportunities specific to their greatest needs.”