Step2 - Grow

Personal & Career Growth

A group of diverse people sitting around a U-shaped table in a conference room, listening to a man standing and speaking. A large screen displays a presentation slide with various colors and text.

About the Step2 Program

Step2 is StepUp Durham's next step program for working adults and their children who would like to develop stronger community relationships, have referral access to material resources, and the opportunities to receive trainings focused on personal and career growth.

Step2 offers four phases of programming that occur in eight-week blocks. The four phases are: Personal Development, Financial Education, Career Development, and Leadership Development. StepUp Durham provides participants with a 50% savings match. These savings have assisted Step2 participants over the past year in purchasing affordable vehicles through Wheels4Hope.

Step2 FAQ

  •  50-60% match savings program

    Graduation bonuses that progressively increase based on the number of phases completed

    Expedited referrals to Housing for New Hope

    Referrals and financial support for furnishing residences

    Referral to purchase a vehicle from Wheels4Hope for $636

    Paid tuition to Durham Technical Community College for non-credit degree programs

  • Active, current engagement with StepUp Durham or SUD community partner

    Working at least 25 hours per week (proof required)

    On-time weekly attendance

    Completion of Step2 Program Application

    1-on-1 interview (via phone or in-person)

  • Maintaining StepUp Durham's Employment Program eligibility requirements

    Submission/proof of $10 weekly savings

    Completion of three goals per Phase

    Meeting with co-partner group weekly

Participants

Two young girls sitting at a table playing with and building with Jenga blocks and colorful toys in a classroom.

Step2 Children’s Program

Children’s Program Benefits

  • Children’s Specialist for 2.5hrs/week helping with homework, arts, crafts, and other activities while family members participate in the Step2 program

  • Assistance with opening savings accounts at Self-Help Credit Union

  • Student savings match by StepUp Durham

  • Homework bonuses for bringing and completing school homework

  • Report card bonuses

  • School grade incentives

  • Clothing assistance via our partnership with Note in the Pocket

ELEVATE

A woman with long braided hair holding a certificate of graduation from StepUp Durham, sitting in a bright room with large windows and a blurred background.

  • Open to people enrolled in any of our Step1 or Step2 programs. Elevate gives participants the opportunity to take short-term courses that will help them fill in skill gaps that have been hindering them from gaining livable wage employment.

  • Must be an active StepUp participant

    Must have stable employment (been on the job for at least 6 months) or income

    Must have stable housing

    Complete an application

  • Certificate received from Durham Tech after course completion

    Bonus is given after successful completion of the program