Scholars Program:

Admission Process

At Steppingstone, we partner with you and your family to make your dream of college a reality. With proven results, we help you achieve the future you seek by preparing, advising, and supporting you from elementary school until you earn your college degree. We welcome all Boston 4th and 5th grade students and their families to learn more and apply.
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Eligibility

We serve Boston students who desire to attend college. To apply, each student should meet the following guidelines:
  • Be a Boston resident
  • Be in 4th or 5th grade at the time of application
  • Be motivated and eager to learn
  • Be committed to attending a new school for 6th or 7th grade
  • Attend an eligible school*
* Eligible schools include public and select parochial schools. Students currently attending one of Steppingstone’s placement schools or a school accredited by AISNE are not eligible to apply.
In addition, we seek to serve families who would not otherwise have access to opportunities like Steppingstone. The income guidelines below are one tool we use to identify candidates who demonstrate the greatest need for Steppingstone's tuition-free program.
Household Size Suggested Total Income
2 $104,200
3 $117,250
4 $130,250
5 $140,700
6 $151,100
7 $161,550
8 $171,950
**This household income chart represents the 80% Area Median Income for the Boston Area

If you have any questions about eligibility, please contact admissions@steppingstone.org.
A staff member sits between two Scholars and reads them a story.
Please review the following grade-specific program timeline for a detailed outline of our 12+ year program.
In addition, our program looks for families who:
  • Are committed to supporting their students through the Steppingstone journey.
  • Demonstrate a need for our tuition-free program (note: there is a $100 fee for each summer of academic program in grades 5–7, which can be reduced or waived if it is a hardship).
  • Are interested in exploring independent schools and select Boston public schools, including the three exam schools.
Two scholars sit on a bench sharing a computer, their eyes intent on the screen.
Steppingstone scholar hangs from monkey bars.

Admission Timeline

1. Submit an Inquiry Form

All students and families who are interested in applying to Steppingstone must submit an Inquiry Form. Submitting the Inquiry Form will allow us to send you a personalized link to the Steppingstone application.
Inquire Now

2. Attend a Family Information Meeting

October, November, and December
Families who submit an Inquiry Form or are nominated are invited by email to attend a Family Information Meeting. Families are strongly encouraged to attend an information session before beginning the application.

5. Final Admission Decisions and Next Steps

May – July

Finalists will be notified if they have been accepted to the program in mid-April. Accepted Scholars will complete enrollment paperwork and attend the New Scholar and Family Welcome Event in May. Scholars begin their first Steppingstone summer in July.

Teacher Recommendation

  • Families applying to the program must share the Teacher Recommendation Form with their student’s current classroom teacher and ask them to complete it by January 15, 2025
  • Includes a brief evaluation of student, Term 1 Report Card, Spring 2024 MCAS scores, and most recent MAP scores
  • We encourage you to start speaking to your current classroom teacher now about your interest in Steppingstone. As a reminder, the links to your Student and Family application as well as the Teacher Recommendation Form will be emailed to you in early December.


Finalists for the program will be selected at the end of January based on an evaluation of the Student and Family Application, Teacher Recommendation, report card, and standardized test scores. All components must be submitted by Wednesday, January 15, 2025 in order for a student to be considered for admission.

4. Complete an Interview and Exam

February – March

Finalist students and families are invited to interview with Steppingstone staff. Interviews take place throughout the months of February and March. Finalist students will take the Steppingstone Exam in mid-March.

3. Submit Your Application

By Wednesday, January 15, 2025

After attending a Family Information Meeting, you will be sent a link by email to complete a written application. The required components of the written Steppingstone application are:

Student and Family Application
  • Includes family contact and demographic information as well as short answer questions for both the student and the parent/guardian
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Two scholars walk alongside their Advisor outside a shiny, academic building.

Have questions?

The Admission team is here to help!
admissions@steppingstone.org | 617-423-6300 (press one for Admissions)
Hablamos español.

Admission
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Ailyn Rivera '09

Program Operations Coordinator

Ailyn joined Steppingstone in 2023 and supports both the Admission and Academy teams in her role. She is a Steppingstone Alumna and first-generation college graduate, receiving her B.A. in Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Stanford University. In her role, she looks forward to learning from and supporting the Steppingstone community throughout the first chapters of the Scholars Program journey.

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Cindy Chen

Admission Associate

Cindy was born in Boston and grew up in the Greater Boston Area. She earned her B.A. in Political Science and Chinese Language and Culture from Beloit College in 2022. Though she thinks the Midwest is underrated, she has since returned to Massachusetts and she joined Steppingstone as an Admission Assistant in 2023. Being a first-generation college graduate herself, she appreciates being able to both work with Scholars and help them reach their academic goals.

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Khadeejah Clemons

Director of Admission

Khadeejah Clemons is a proud Bostonian, born and raised in Dorchester. She has a passion for connecting people with opportunities and academic excellence. Khadeejah joined Steppingstone in 2024. Previously, she taught English in the U.S. and abroad and also worked in the financial services industry. Khadeejah obtained her BBA in International Business from Howard University and is an alumna of Boston Latin School. She brings extensive experience in education, marketing, analytics and youth mentorship. During her free time, she loves dancing, camping, biking, playing Sudoku, watching thriller movies and finding local neighborhood hidden gems.

Learn More About Our Scholars Program

Request Information
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617-423-6300