August Newsletter

The countdown is on! We’re thrilled to kick off our 2025-2026 After-School Program on Tuesday, 9/2. Get ready for hands-on learning, character-building, academic support, and daily enrichment – from STEM Challenges and arts to career exploration and leadership. Thank you to every family, partner, coach, mentor, and supporter who makes this possible.

From the Desk of the Executive Director

Next Step to Success (NSTS) is thrilled to kick off our After-School Program on Tuesday, September 2, 2025—and we can’t wait to see our students, families, and community back with us! This year promises to be full of learning, growth, and FUN as we create a space where students can shine both in the classroom and beyond.

Our program isn’t just about homework help (though we’ve got that covered!)—it’s about building leaders, dreamers, and doers. With activities that spark creativity, boost confidence, and strengthen life skills, students will explore new opportunities while being guided by caring Success Coaches. Together, we’ll focus on our six pillars: Growth Mindset, Optimism, Confidence, Agency, GRIT, and Serving Others.

Parents and guardians, you can rest assured knowing your child is in a safe, positive, and inspiring environment each afternoon. And community friends—we invite you to celebrate and support this journey with us, because when our young people succeed, we all succeed!

So mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready—because NSTS After-School 2025 is here to empower, uplift, and inspire the next generation of leaders. Let’s make this the best year yet!

Week at a Glance

Meet your Success Coaches, set up first-quarter goals, and jump into the Homework hub for academic support!

Daily Themes:

Me Time Mondays: On Mondays, we will work to ensure we are filling our own cups so we can pour into others.

How To Tuesdays: Tuesdays will focus on learning essential life skills.

Workforce Wednesdays: Our youth will use Wednesdays for career exploration throughout a variety of different fields

Thankful Thursdays: At Next Step to Success, we show our gratitude by giving back to the community around us.

Fun Fridays: After a long week, it’s time to kick off the weekend with hands-on activities while socializing with friends.

Introducing our Administrative Manager,

Katy Rock

Katy Rock spent her years at Christ the King Catholic School first leading admissions, where she helped families feel at home and boosted enrollment, and later stepping in as project manager to guide the school through its closure with care and attention to detail.

She’s got a knack for organization, communication, and keeping big projects moving forward. Outside of work, she can usually be found laughing with her twin daughters, her husband, and their two dogs—her favorite “team project” of all.

Culinary Corner

We’re thrilled to share that NSTS is launching an exciting new Culinary Arts program, where our youth will enjoy freshly prepared dinners Monday through Friday. These culinary delights are being crafted by none other than our own Coach Brittany, whose background in the culinary arts brings both skill and passion to the kitchen. With her guidance, our students will not only be well-fed but also inspired by the creativity and care that goes into every meal.

St. Vincent de Paul House Campus

Brick Campaign

Buy a Brick. Cement your Legacy. Inspire the Next Generation

Each brick tells a story—and yours will inspire every student, family, and community member who walks through our campus for years to come. Because of your generosity, we are one step closer to providing a permanent home where teens can grow in resilience, character, and opportunity..

Buy a Brick

More Resources

Videos

Grit Goal Challenge – Duke Basketball Coach Kara Lawson

Newsletters

July Newsletter

Videos

DePaul Demo Timelapse June 18,2025