STEP Fact Sheet

Selection Criteria

Twenty students are selected each year from various Akron area schools to be inducted into STEP. They must meet the following criteria to be considered to become a Firestone Fellow:

• Enrolled in the sixth grade
• Interest/desire to obtain a college education
• Demonstrate successful academic abilities
• Completion of student and parent/guardian application
• Obtain recommendations from designated school personnel.
• Completion of student and parent/guardian face-to-face interview
• Meet federal income eligibility and/or are first-generation college students (neither parent has earned a baccalaureate degree).

Program Objectives

Summer Component

During the six-week summer program, middle school students will attend a rigorous academic program at The University of Akron. They will receive daily instruction in English and math, which includes multiple hands-on learning experiences. Students will also participate in elective classes, such as speech, karate, swimming, and special topics. In addition, students will enjoy educational field trips, unique tours and career presentations with our benefactor, Bridgestone/Firestone.

The six-week summer program culminates in an educational trip to cities located inside and outside of Ohio.  Students participate in various cultural, social, and historical activities on these excursions. All classes, field trips, and experiences throughout the summer are designed to prepare students for the upcoming school year and reinforce the importance and accessibility of a college education.

Academic Component

During the academic year, students return to their regular schools and extensive follow-up is provided. School visitations are made each grading period by the academic advisor or program director to review students' academic and social progress. Tutorial and enrichment opportunities are provided to further enhance academic achievement and success.

In addition, a series of mandatory workshops during the year are provided for the "Firestone Fellows" and their parents. The workshop topics are designed to focus on adolescent academic and social/emotional issues, including Study Skills, Advantages/Dangers of Social Media, Artificial Intelligence, Self-Development, Communication, Financial Management for Teens, Healthy Relationships, Cyberbullying, and Career Awareness.

Academic year activities include field trips, cultural excursions, recreational and volunteer activities. These activities are provided to the students and parents, when applicable. There is no financial cost for program participants.