Needham Steps Up Earns Independent 501(c)(3) Non-profit Status

Needham Steps Up Earns Independent 501(c)(3) Non-profit Status

Long time NHS mentoring program, formerly associated with the Needham Community Council, takes important step to facilitate growth

NEEDHAM, MA- MARCH 25, 2021-- Needham Steps Up (NSU), a need-based mentoring program for eligible students within Needham High School (NHS), has earned tax-exempt status as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. A critical part of the NHS ecosystem for 17 years, Needham Steps Up has operated until now with fellow community-serving organization Needham Community Council as its fiscal partner.

NSU was established in 2003 to help students overcome barriers that were preventing them from accessing the full Needham High School educational experience. Through this program, students are paired with trained faculty and staff members, for the duration of high school, to help them access the vital resources they need to navigate high school successfully.

“Needham Steps Up is an exceptional program that puts the well-being of high school students, like my daughter, at the forefront,” said Tracey Lukes, parent of an NSU student. “We are benefiting greatly as a family, as NSU has provided invaluable support and ongoing encouragement, making the transition into high school easier, and alleviating its many stressors.”

When the pandemic forced schools to close and move to a remote platform last spring, inequities among students became even more apparent. Needham Steps Up is urgently refocusing efforts to ensure students are attending school, staying connected with teachers in a disjointed and often disconnected environment, and having their essential needs met.

“The struggles and barriers these students experience have only worsened since the pandemic forced our school closure last spring. Students are exhausted and overwhelmed and desperately need a program like NSU,” says program directory Stacey Nugent. “We are so grateful to the mentors and volunteers who recognize the importance of this mentorship program and continue to support us and our mission.”

In addition to one-to-one mentoring, Needham Steps Up provides enrichment grants, SEL skill development, college application assistance, post-graduation planning, and more.

About Needham Steps Up
Since its inception, NSU has helped dozens of eligible students graduate from Needham High School and go on to attend college or find other post-secondary success. NSU has collaborated with families, students and the high school to build one-to-one mentoring relationships to help students set goals, stay on track, self-advocate, and develop critical skills required for graduation and post-secondary achievement. Established in 2003 in Needham, Massachusetts, Needham Steps Up is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt non-profit organization. For more information or to make a donation visit www.needhamstepsup.org.

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