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Programs

Empowering Norfolk's Youth Through Free Experiential Learning

At Next Step to Success (NSTS), we believe every young person deserves the chance to thrive, dream big, and build a successful future. Our free afterschool and summer programs provide hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world experiences that help teens develop confidence, resilience, and the skills they need for life beyond school.

  • Serving teens ages 13-18 from low-income households in Norfolk
  • Free enrollment, transportation, and meals provided
  • A safe, structured environment focused on academic and personal growth

Afterschool Program

(September-May)

Free Transportation | Free Meals | Hands-On Learning

Our after-school program provides a structured, engaging, and enriching environment where teens can develop life skills, explore career opportunities, and grow into confident leaders.

  • Academic Support: Homework assistance and tutoring
  • Creative Exploration: Music, theater, visual arts, and performing arts
  • STEM & Career Exposure: Hands-on projects, workshops, and mentorship
  • Catered Dinner & Social Development: Monday-Thursday
  • Friday Off-Site Activities: Cultural field trips, community engagement

Summer Program

(June-August)

Full-Day Camp | Free Meals | Career & Life Skills

Our free summer camp offers a fun, immersive, and skill-building experience that helps teens explore new interests, make friends, and grow in confidence—all while having a great summer!

  • Leadership & Life Skills: Growth mindset, teamwork, decision-making
  • Hands-On Learning: Cooking, STEM, visual arts, modern dance, music
  • Outdoor & Experiential Activities: Gardening, sports, wooden boat making
  • Field Trips & Career Exploration: College visits, cultural institutions, hands-on career discovery
  • Free Meals & Snacks Daily

Ready to Register a Student?

If you have any questions or issues with the registration process, please contact us for assistance. 📢 Ready to enroll? Click below to get started!

Parent testimonials

Testimonials

The program has been absolutely wonderful! It takes my grandson's time up in the afternoon instead of being on the computer, and I love that. This has been such a rewarding experience for him.

My grandson just turned 13 and is finally in the program. My granddaughter was in the program before him and is now at VCU. She was incredibly shy, but while in the program all she could talk about was Mr. Muhanmna and all the friends she made.

You've helped my daughter grow and develop. My son was also a participant in the program, he's now in college! Next Step to Success has helped me raise these kids.

These coaches are invaluable to our family. It means a lot to me how patient you are with my child.

I picked up the phone on a Friday, saying I don't know what I'm going to do with my child on Monday. They said 'I got you', and its been that way ever since.

My husband and I are very thankful for this program. Elijah used to be a shy kid and is now coming out of his shell. If I have any problems, I call Mr. Muhanma, I have him on speed dial!