Since Steppingstone was founded three decades ago, the world has changed in many ways. After witnessing insurrection and violence in the Capitol, we make the transition to new national leadership. While I am cautiously optimistic about the rest of 2021, it has become clear that our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work is more crucial than ever. This year holds both uncertainty and promise for us all. Despite the changes happening around us, Steppingstone remains steadfast to our mission of supporting the success of young people on the path to and through college.  -- Kelly Glew
Betsy Danziger: Reflecting on 30 Years
Steppingstone was still only an idea when Betsy Lind Danziger caught her first glimpse of it.

As she recounts the story, she’s transported back in time 30+ years to the classrooms of Harvard’s Ed School and her first impressions of future Steppingstone co-founder Mike Danziger. The two took only one course together. Betsy remembers diligently taking notes. Sitting a few chairs away, her new friend—and future husband—furiously sketched out program possibilities for Boston’s underserved students.

Now as then, “education is my love,” says Betsy. For three decades, that love has kept her actively engaged in the world of schools as well in the Steppingstone community. Always a teacher at heart, she continues working as a tutor and as an admission associate at the Fessenden School. She also serves as a steward of Steppingstone’s future as a member of its Board of Directors, a role that she took on following Mike’s tragic death in 2017. Read full story
College Admissions
Steppingstone Scholars in grade 12 have been working with their Advisors for the last year to complete applications, polish their essays, and fill out financial aid forms. We are starting to receive some much needed good news! Despite all of the challenges Scholars are facing, commitments have been made to Boston College, Boston University, Columbia University, Northeastern University, Rice University, Tufts University, and Yale University. We look forward to sharing the full list of enrollments later in the year. Congratulations all Scholars on their journey to college!
30th Anniversary Highlights
  • Monthly emails featuring Scholars and Alumni
  • Special Annual Meeting
  • Our 1st ever Steppingstone Day of Giving
  • Online Q & A Forum with Leadership and Alumni
  • In-person event(s) when safe
Preparing for a
New Class of Scholars
The Steppingstone Admissions team has been hard at work recruiting a new class of Scholars who will enter the program this summer. This year’s recruitment was made difficult with the challenges of COVID-19, but Steppingstone staff, Scholars, and families worked hard to do outreach to families and schools.

We have received over 250 applications and will accept 110 new Scholars into the next Steppingstone class. For the next six weeks, all Steppingstone staff will participate in the process of reading applications and interviewing potential Scholars and families.

We look forward to welcoming the new class of Scholars in the Spring!

Thank you to our 30th Anniversary Partners!

$100,000+
Kate & Tom Gilbane
Isabelle & Ian Loring 
Mike & Hope Pascucci
Medha Sinha & Bart Epker 

$50,000+
Anonymous (2)
Amy & John Berylson
Karen & Brian Conway
Debbie & Keith Gelb
Kaia & Jonathan Goldstein
Hilary & Langley Steinert 

$30,000+
Susan & Paisley Boney
Peggy & Dick Danziger 
Fidelity Investments 
Fabian & Suzanne Fondriest 
Ross & Bob Henderson
State Street Foundation 

$25,000+
Anonymous 
Debbie & Steve Barnes
Sandy & Paul Edgerley 
Pam & Bill Holding 

$10,000+
Nancy Adams & Scott Schoen
Katie & Don Bramley
Camille & David Carlstrom
Melanie & Jason Chiverton
Erin & Devin Condron
Kerrie & James Coughlin
Makenzie & Daniel Domb
Kate Enroth & Dana Schmaltz
Lucy & Steven Galbraith
Brittney & David Gammell 
Betsey & Charlie Gifford
Mercée & Eric Glew 
Jackie & Blair Hendrix 
Char Joslin & Les Cheek
Karen Kames & Christopher Gaffney
Brooke & Conan Laughlin
Kate Lubin & Glendon Sutton
Barbara & Richard Melvoin
Alison & William Monaghan
Marion & David Mussafer 
Christine Olsen & Robert Small
Rachel Rock & Joshua Levy 
Pixley & Ken Schiciano
Virginia Shannon 
Jenny & Sandy Weymouth
Save These Dates!
February 17 at Noon

This is a great opportunity to hear how Steppingstone Scholars are doing during the pandemic. An invitation to this virtual event will be sent soon!
March 10 -- All Day!

As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, you are invited to be part of a powerful new tradition: our first-ever Steppingstone Day of Giving. Keep an eye out for more information.
BYP Mixes it Up!
On December 16, the Steppingstone Board of Young Professionals hosted a Virtual Holiday Cocktail/Mocktail-making class with much success. About 50 participants logged on to Zoom and learned how to make Espresso Martinis and Palomas. There were also lots of tips and tricks being passed around - like if you put a dash of bitters on an orange and eat it, it gets rid of hiccups! Who knew? The event raised over $2,500 to support Steppingstone programs! 
Making Healthcare More Inclusive
Dr. Stephanie Pinder-Amaker, a member of the Steppingstone Board of Directors, is the Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at McLean Hospital. She recently accepted the 2020 Virtual All-Inclusive Award in the category of Public Health Champion from Color Magazine on behalf of the hospital. The award recognized McLean for “making outstanding strides to protect and promote public health in the state of Massachusetts.” 
  
“In a year that has been fraught with divisiveness and intolerance and in which health and racial inequities have been brought into sharp relief, McLean hospital is truly, truly grateful for this recognition,” Pinder-Amaker said. “It feels good to have something this meaningful to celebrate." Read more here