Next Step Program Description

The Next Step Program provides alternative education services to teens that have dropped out of the public school system or have been expelled from their regular school setting.  Cornstalk Institute and Youth Development Incorporated (YDI) collaborate to provide a combination of experiential education, classroom tutoring, and case management services.  Cornstalk activities challenges students to expand their personal awareness and teamwork skills via cooperative games and problem solving initiatives, expressive art, and high and low ropes course events.  YDI services include classroom tutoring and Case Management.  Next Step students typically enroll in the program for one semester and focus on either preparing for the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) Examination or returning to their Public School setting.  The ultimate goal of the Next Step program is best summarized in the following quote from a Next Step student graduate.

 “The services that [this program have provided me] have been a great asset to my life.  I have academic goals that I was not able to accomplish in four years, but with help, I was able to accomplish in five months.  Because of Cornstalk I am now able to conquer my fears and communicate more effectively. This program has made a positive change in my life, and I plan to take the Next Step and make a positive change in the world.  I have [also] learned how important an education is and plan to go to college.”

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