Steer for Student Athletes Inc

STEER for Student Athletes impacts the targeted population served through both short-term (annual) and long-term measurable objectives.

The short-term objectives are:
1. For at least 95% of program participants to remain in good academic standing in school and engaged in at least one prosocial involvement opportunity.
2. For at least 95% of students to participate in the Peak Mental Performance mental and emotional focus training and one additional educational workshop.
3. For all program participants to address at least 95% of their ISP annual objectives.
4. For at least 90% of program participants to assess the PSP as supportive in enabling them to progress towards their college and career readiness objectives.

The long-term objectives:
1. For 100% of program participants to graduate from high school.
2. For 100% of program participants to be accepted to at least one higher education institution.
3. For 95% of program participants to enroll in an institution of higher education.
4. For 95% of program participants to persist in college for two years.

These results will not only make a long-term difference for the students served, but the outcome is exponential: reducing income equality by addressing the pervasive issue of socioeconomic inequities in the community.

The program design is that of customized support and services through a one-to-one professional Advisor/Mentor for each student served. The major component of the program is the Individualized Support Plan that addresses any or all of but is not limited to the following areas of support: academics, athletics, health and wellness, and career readiness. Also central to the program is the financial support for students. All services and support are provided at no cost to students and their families. The basis for the Individualized Support Programs is to identify specific objectives for each student developed to meet the long-term goals of high school graduation, acceptance into college, and college enrollment and persistence. The short-term program objectives were also developed to help meet the four long-term objectives. Success of the program is measured by achievement against the four major goals. To evaluate meaningful measurable results STEER tracks all student information using a database.
In addition, progress for each individual student is tracked and measured against the goals of their Individual Support Plan (ISP) by Advisors and strategies are added as needed to achieve goals.

STEER for Student Athletes primary strategy is one-to-one comprehensive, individualized and holistic support services to at-risk 7th through 12th grade student-athletes in underserved communities in Port Chester, Yonkers and the Bronx including academic support such as tutoring and standardized test prep, athletic support such as conditioning training and sports skills camps, health and wellness support such as mental and emotional focus training, career readiness support such as work-based opportunities, and other support such as team building, community service initiatives, college advising, and financial literacy education. Evidence-based research has demonstrated that well-structured mentorship programs combined with tailored services are significant and effective in creating positive outcomes. All resources, support, and services are provided at no cost to students and STEER sustains students for multi-year services for longitudinal impact. Advisor/Mentors commit to working with students from their entrance into the program (most often before 10th grade) throughout their high school career for an average duration of three years

The importance of these mentorship relationships is underscored in a national longitudinal study that found that "when students have a school-based mentor, they are more likely to pass their classes, earn more credits, and earn a higher GPA. And in the long run, they are 15 percentage points more likely than students without mentors to attend college and complete almost an entire year of higher education." In addition, "the students who research shows would benefit the most from mentoring—namely students from low-income families—are less likely to have access to those types of relationships." (edweek.org, July 2021)

Once a student is paired, their Advisor/Mentor develops an Individual Support Plan (ISP) that identifies specific goals for academics, athletics, and other areas particular to the need, capability, and circumstance of each student. Student' voice and choice' is inherent in every ISP, and advisors regularly monitor ISPs and have frequent contact (often daily) with students and their families. Progress is tracked and measured against the goals of the ISPs and strategies are added as needed to achieve goals. As part of the ISP, Advisor/Mentors provide support services and connect students with resources to help them meet their goals, and resources are provided through STEER's well-developed partnerships. Resources, support and services are tailored to each student’s individual needs, circumstances, capabilities and learning styles, thereby allowing all types of students to thrive.

In short, STEER fosters equity by providing typically marginalized students who would not typically have access to high-quality, comprehensive support services like their more affluent peers in nearby communities, helping to ensure that they are provided opportunities that will help prepare them for future success.