Escalera: Taking Steps to Success” is a free after school program that promotes economic mobility for immigrant and refugee youth by supporting educational attainment, college planning, and access to information about professional careers. The program is delivered through weekly cohort meetings for any first-generation college student (regardless of background) in 11th and 12th grades at select high schools.

Our team offers:

• Individual Case Management

• Leadership Development

• College & Career Exploration

• College Trips & Info Sessions

• Information in Spanish & English

• Support with college applications

• Support with scholarships

• FAFSA Assistance

• Specialized advising for DACA/undocumented students

We are currently implementing the Escalera Program with 11th and 12th-grade first-generation immigrant and refugee students at Glencliff, Overton, and Cane Ridge High Schools.

Eighty-eight percent of students who have enrolled in this nationwide program developed by UnidosUS have successfully completed the program and graduated from high school, compared to 73% nationwide for Hispanic students (Pew Hispanic Center). Of those Escalera graduates, 87% enrolled in postsecondary institutions (compared to 44% nationwide for Hispanic high school graduates).

Contact Maria Paula Zapata for more information.