Partnering with STEPS
- At STEPS we aim to avoid a one-way approach to recruitment. Instead we emphasize a reciprocal partnership with our community organizations.
- When you decide to partner with us, we will assign an individual member of our team to serve as your link to the study. Together we will schedule a time to meet and discuss an individualized plan in which we will discuss not only how your organization can help with recruitment, but more importantly how we can give back to you and your community. After that your STEPS representative will check-in with you biweekly via phone or email to ensure the plan is being carried out on both ends.
Our Partners
On April 11th our valued community partners at Pittsburgh Parks & Recreation and Partner4Work are hosting an in-person application support session at the Warrington Rec Center for the Summer Learn & Earn Program. Come say hi to the STEPS team at the event as well! We’ll be set up at the event to let prospective families know about our study, help out in any way needed, and also hand out some merch 🙂
Rankin Christian Center has shown generosity to the STEPS team by inviting us to present at their community dinner nights as well as meet with their Youth of the Nation program. We are in the process of arranging a tour of campus and tutoring help to their youth programs.
The August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) is a nonproft, multidisciplinary arts center located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. They are “dedicated to the celebration of the African American journey and presenting its unique and extraordinary role in the creation of popular culture in America and beyond:,
AWAACC has partnered with STEPS by helping to circulate our flyers to their network of community organizations and local schools. AWAACC has also been kind enough to invite STEPS to come table and speak at their quarterly community days. STEPS has given back to AWAACC by promoting their various initiatives, like their Youth Writing Camp, through our networks.
The West End Community Foundation
The West End Community Foundation, Inc. (WECF) is a nonprofit rooted in a historically African-American neighborhood called Lyon Park located in Southwest Central Durham, North Carolina. WECF owns and operates the Community Family Life and Recreation Center at Lyon Park which is a community center that serves over 3,000 people per month. WECF is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of individuals residing in the West End (Southwest Central Durham area) and the City of Durham through education, community development, wellness, job readiness and access, and human enrichment.
FAQs
Q: Is there any commitment? Am I locked in?
A: Your STEPS representative will work with you to develop a plan that will fit ideally into your schedule. However, your participation is completely voluntary and you can exit the partnership agreement at any time.
Q: What are some ways our organization and the community we serve can benefit from participating?
A: STEPS is prepared to assist your organization in a variety of ways. Some of the ways members of our team have aided community organizations in the past include: compiling resources relevant to your individual needs/interest, advertisement of your organization through our channels, volunteering at community events, giving talks to students about a career in research and/or applying to college, and tutoring.
Q: How long will the collaboration last?
A: The collaboration will last for as long as you and your organization deem appropriate. We will be recruiting new participants all the way until November 2025.
Q: What if our assigned representative at STEPS is no longer available?
A: If your assigned representative has to leave the project for any reason, they will let you know with due notice and connect you to a new representative. All our representatives take comprehensive notes every time they speak with an organization, so your new representative will be well informed and prepared to continue the collaboration.
Q: Is there any cost to us?
A: Nope! Your participation is completely free.