Building STEPS

10/06/2026

Thank you WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore and Reporter Tori Yorgey for shining a light on Building STEPS college access program. We welcomed our 27th cohort this past week with an amazing day out at Genesee Valley Outdoor Learning Center! We can't wait to watch these Baltimore City Public Schools students thrive on their college access journey.

Dozens of Baltimore City high school students from 15 schools converge for team-building activities at a college-access program.

08/25/2026

Ciena has made a tremendous impact on our Baltimore City students. We are so grateful for their continued support and for understanding the needs of our students and sharing their expertise. Thank you!

08/25/2026

Take a look at what's been happening during the Summer Experience at Building STEPS! Internships, summer enrichment, business plan competition and more!

Thanks to UMBC, Innovation Works, committed volunteers, and 40 enthusiastic Building STEPS summer interns, Summer Experience 2026 was a huge success - filled with academic enrichment, professional development, and career exploration.

08/25/2026

We are thrilled to be featured on DP Solutions Cuppa Joe Podcast to talk about our long‑standing partnership and the incredible impact it has on Building STEPS students.
DP Solutions supports our work in so many ways—tech expertise, volunteer writing advisors, career fair participation, and hosting unforgettable STEM Exploration Days. Their commitment helps first‑generation college students see what’s possible.
Thank you, DP Solutions, for helping us propel Baltimore City students to college and career success.

Episode 3 of the Cuppa Joe Podcast, brewed by DP Solutions, feature...

06/30/2026

These pics never get old! So proud of our fabulous Building STEPS high school seniors who graduated and are heading off to various colleges/universities throughout the State of Maryland and beyond. Wishing you the best on your next journey! We are always here to support you!

06/10/2026

We’re excited to share that Building STEPS Executive Director Debra Hettleman was featured on the 98 Rock Baltimore Maryland Perspectives podcast.

Debra reflects on 25 years of Building STEPS, the power of partnerships, and how Baltimore City students are becoming first‑generation college graduates and STEM educated. Proud of our students. Grateful for our partners. Inspired for the next 25 years. https://youtu.be/OxciQ0sItdc?si=u02NjA3U2RaEKerh

Building STEPS, a Baltimore nonprofit that has spent the last 25 ye...

06/02/2026

Building STEPS Executive Director Debra Hettleman was honored to attend the Baltimore Police Department’s 2026 Command Summit and receive a Certificate of Appreciation for our partnership with Teri Labbe and the Forensic Science and Evidence Services Division. This impactful collaboration sparks interest and creates career pathways for our Building STEPS students.

05/29/2026

The team behind the scenes! (Missing our fearless leader!) Our programming team put together an impactful Orientation for the new student cohort yesterday! Here we come Building STEPS year 26!

This team works hard to create STEM exploration experiences, college workshops and meaningful college outreach to our students on campuses around the State of Maryland and beyond!

05/28/2026

Welcome to our new Building STEPS cohort! We are entering our 26th year of propelling Baltimore’s brightest students to college and career success!

Orientation included a program overview, scavenger hunt and trivia about Building STEPS, ice breakers to get to know one another, lunch and Q&A!

A great day at Towson University (thank you for hosting) and a great start with our new cohort! 😊

05/01/2026

COLLEGE DECISION DAY 2026!! We are so proud of our students-100 percent of the Building STEPS class of 2026 was accepted to at least one 4 year college! You all are amazing! 🤩 Your next exciting journey begins! 🎉

Building STEPS provides the tools to propel Baltimore City students to college and career success.