Next Step to Success Weekly Update
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Message from our Executive Director
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Executive Director Weekly Update – Week 8
As we reach Week 8, I’m proud to share that participation in the Next Step to Success program continues to rise. Each week, more students are engaging consistently in our activities, tutoring sessions, and enrichment opportunities. This steady increase reflects the growing excitement and commitment among our youth, and the results are evident in their confidence, teamwork, and academic progress.
We’re also excited to announce a new partnership with the Vital Pivots Basketball Program, led by CEO Steven Whitley, a former Norfolk State University former star player and coach. Steven brings not only his athletic expertise but also a passion for mentoring young people and helping them translate lessons from the court into life skills like discipline, leadership, and resilience. This partnership will add a dynamic physical fitness and character-building component to our program.
With growing participation and new collaborations like Vital Pivots, NSTS continues to expand its impact, empowering students to thrive academically, socially, and personally.
James Harris, Executive Director |
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Student Spotlight: Drew and Isaiah
This week Out student spotlight is two o two of our students Andrew and Isaiah. Drew has been with us for over two years and Isaiah two weeks. Both have been selected as student ambassadors. They are amazing young men. As per the interview they have very bright futures ahead of them:
1. What is your name, School and grade? Booker T. Washington/Granby
2. How long have you been a part of Next Step to Success? 2 years/2 Weeks
3. What do you like most about coming to NSTS? I can meet many new people and acquire many resources for future opportunities/Getting to make new connections with others…
4. What is one goal you’re working on right now? Learning a 3rd instrument (Acoustic Guitar)/Getting better at basketball
5. Who inspires you the most, and why? Mother/Mother
6. What is your favorite subject in school? Reading/Math
7. What activities or hobbies do you enjoy outside of school? Photography, playing and listening to music/Swimming, Playing the drums and listening to music
8. What’s your favorite book, movie, or song right now? Monks by Frank Ocean/Movie: Hidden Figures
9. What does success mean to you? Making it through college and having the career that’s best for me/Being able to enjoy life.
10. If you could give advice to another student, what would it be? Keep your head up and don’t let your grades fall behind/Don’t hurt people’s feelings.
11. What do you see yourself doing in the future (career, dreams, or big goals)? I want to study to become a child psychologist/Marine Biologist
12. Share a fun fact about yourself most people don’t know! I down-play my abilities/I like to keep to myself even though I’m very outgoing
13. Is there someone at NSTS (staff or peer) who has made a big difference for you? Coach Jontel, Isaiah/Mr. Muhanma, Drew
14. If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Sociable, Talkative and Creative/Comical, intellectual and interactive
We’re so proud of the example Drew and Isaiah set for their fellow Success Stories! |
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From the Director of Education
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| Students are working hard in the homework hub. Grades close this week, and they will get to see how their hard work pays off when they get their report cards next week. Financial aid is open and you can start applying today at studentaid.org and scholarship deadlines are approaching. Any youth looking to apply for scholarships will receive one on one support through the application. Check out studentscholarships.org to find scholarships right for you! |
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| From the Program Director
This week, our coaches helped the youth focus on creativity, problem-solving, and personal growth.
- Halloween Party Project: Youth are creating decorations and planning their own Halloween party, using agency to take ownership of the event and expressing their creativity.
- Slime Challenge: One group attempted to make slime without an activator, requiring grit and growth mindset as they figured out alternative ways to make it work.
- Continued Partners:
- Hampton Roads Chess Association and Together We Can: helping youth strengthen strategic thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills.
- EVMS dermatology students taught another lesson on nail and hair growth and the importance of self-care.
- Hermitage Museum and Gardens: Fridays group exploring the museum grounds and collaborating with educators to create pottery, learning creativity and perseverance.
- Other Partners:
- Team Up Mentoring from The Up Center: providing 1:1 mentoring support for youth needing extra guidance and encouragement.
- Mia Hall: spoke with young women about women’s empowerment and motivation, inspiring confidence and self-worth.
We are grateful for our community partners who continue to invest in our youth. Their time, guidance, and expertise help make Next Step to Success a place where young people can explore, create, and grow while developing grit, optimism, agency, and success in all that they do.
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| OPERATIONS UPDATE
NSTS Milestone
Record Attendance: Yesterday, Thursday, October 23, 2025, we welcomed 72 youth on site out of 94 enrolled, setting a new attendance record for NSTS. As always, thank you, families for your continued trust, consistency, and partnership. We see the effort it takes to stay engaged and show up, and it makes all the difference.
Together, we’re building steady momentum and helping our youth grow stronger every day.
Upcoming Events
- Monday, October 27, 2025 – NO SCHOOL / NO PROGRAM
- Teacher Workday | Professional Development Day
- Thursday, October 30, 2025 – NSTS Family Resource Night (C.H.A.T.S.)
- Peggy Johnson (Access College) will share college access tips, scholarships, and next steps
- Taquoia Kilby, QMHP (Life’s Journey) will talk about youth mental health supports, navigating services, and family well-being resources
- Family Forum: Review of program expectations from the first 30 days
- Friday, October 31, 2025 – Pumpkinfest Celebration (EARLY DISMISSAL)
TraxSolutions Reminder
- Please update any emergency contacts (names, numbers, authorized pick-ups).
- Confirm home address and current school.
- Review medical info & allergies; add any new medications or conditions.
Need help? Call the NSTS Main Office: 757-995-2111 or stop by during program hours. |
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🌟 Staff Spotlight: Muhanma, Director of Operations
This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Muhanma — the heart behind so much of what keeps NSTS running strong. Her leadership blends empathy, persistence, and commitment, and her story reflects the same grit and growth mindset we aim to inspire in our youth. Get to know her a little better in this week’s Staff Spotlight interview below.
1. What inspired you to join Next Step to Success? I didn’t choose NSTS. NSTS choose me.
2. If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Empathic, persistent, committed
3. What’s one lesson you hope every student you work with carries with them? Mistakes are part of the journey… Just as long as you are making efforts to change part of the journey.
4. Who was a mentor or role model in your own life, and how did they shape you? Grandmother – She was the definition of service while still being there for her family, dependable person in the community where I grew up in the Bronx
5. What’s your favorite way to spend a Saturday when you’re not working? Listening to jazz and catching up on a good book.
6. If you could have dinner with any historical figure or celebrity, who would it be and why? Muhammad Ali. Love to pick his brain regarding his definition of Grit, Growth Mindset and Service.
7. What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know? I like to laugh
8. If you had to pick a theme song for your life, what would it be? The Rocky Movie Theme song.
9. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? People will judge who you are but they can never take away what you’ve done. So be authentic to yourself and your love ones.
10. Finish this sentence “Working at Next Step to Success means…” Everything
11. What’s your all-time favorite TV show or movie? Antwone Fisher – Movie
12. If you had a superpower for a day, what would it be? To fly. |
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From the Coordinator of Culinary Arts
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| You already know what time it is — Chef B’s kitchen is cookin’ up another week of pure deliciousness! Let’s dive into what’s on the plate for Week 8 (Oct. 27th–31st):
🥳 Monday: Chicken & Cheese Taquitos — rolled tighter than our kitchen schedule! 🌯 Loaded with pico de gallo & sour cream.
🥩 Tuesday: Steak & Gravy with Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli & Cheese — so good, it’ll have you calling “rare” moments well done! 🥦
🍟 Wednesday: Khamari’s Loaded Fries — the fries are so loaded, they might need a driver’s license. 🚗💨
🌯 Thursday: Crispy Chicken Ranch Wraps — because ranch dressing makes everything un-wrap-pably good! 🤠
💬 Let’s keep the kitchen energy high, the teamwork strong, and the jokes cheesy (like our taquitos). Special thanks to everyone for keeping things running smoother than mashed potatoes on Tuesday!
Keep shining, serving, and seasoning with love.
💛 Chef B (a.k.a. The Sauce Boss) |
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| Cement Your Legacy with a Brick at St. Vincent de Paul House
Be part of our history and our future! Through our Brick Fundraiser, you can honor a loved one, recognize a business, or leave a family legacy by purchasing an engraved brick. Each brick will be placed on the new St. Vincent de Paul House campus, creating a lasting tribute while supporting Next Step to Success youth programs. |
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