Student to teacher enlistment project undergraduate program (STEP UP)
The STEP UP Program (Student to Teacher Enlistment Project Undergraduate Program) is the product of a collaborative effort between the Clark County School District (CCSD), the Clark County Education Association Community Foundation (CCEACF), the College of Southern Nevada (CSN), and Nevada State College (NSC). STEP UP is a “grow your own” program designed to provide an opportunity for interested Clark County School District high school students to begin a teaching career.
The Program
- Available at select comprehensive high schools.
- Grants the equivalent of a $20,000 college scholarship per student.
- STEP UP has received national recognition.
The Courses
- High school juniors begin college courses at their home high schools.
- Students build high school and college transcripts simultaneously, earning dual credit for the college courses.
- Students will complete approximately one-third of a college degree while in high school.
- College of Southern Nevada provides instructors to teach the general education core courses.
- Upon completing their AA degree at College of Southern Nevada, students transfer to Nevada State College to earn their Bachelor’s Degree.
The Students
- STEP UP began with just over 100 students in the 2004-05 school year and currently has over 400 students enrolled, the majority of which are first generation college students.
- During the 2008-2009 school year, 235 students took part in the program at eight high schools; 170 high school graduates attend College of Southern Nevada and Nevada State College.
- STEP UP prides itself on the diversity of the student population; 58% of our candidates are Hispanic (a large number of which are Spanish speakers), 19% Caucasian, 14% African American, 8% Asian/Pacific Islander, 1% American Indian/Alaskan Native.
Employment
- The first group of STEP UP potential teachers will graduate from college in August, 2009.
- Several STEP UP students are employed as instructional aides in the Clark County School District.
- STEP UP students may apply to become substitute teachers while completing their bachelor’s degree.
