Stairway’s scholarship program has grown significantly over the years reaching more than 400 scholars, thanks to the generous support from Phoenix Foundation.
Last May 27-28, parents and scholars gathered in Stairway to attend the General Assembly, which includes an introduction to Stairway’s programs, what they encompass, expectations, signing of contracts and finally the distribution of school supplies. Many of the notebooks that the scholars receive have messages about online safety and the touching rules.
Aside from monthly stipends and school supplies, Stairway scholars participate in a range of extra-curricular activities: like workshops in Adolescent Reproductive Health, Online Safety Orientation, Children’s Rights and Child Sexual Abuse Prevention. Scholars’ parents also attend sessions on Child Sex Trafficking and Child Protection. In addition, all Stairway scholars take part in Stairway’s environmental program called, Environmental Awareness for Children and Youth (EACY) as a way to foster new values and sincere appreciation for the environment.
So serious is the build up of plastic pollution and other garbage in our area, that Lars Jorgensen, Stairway’s Executive Director, took the opportunity to address the students and parents about to remind them of their responsibility to help to protect and to preserve the environment. One activity required of by scholars and their parents is to be active in weekly community and beach cleanups