Step2 - Grow

Personal & Career Growth

“Ed says he’s incredibly grateful to The Jubilee Home and to StepUp Durham for being like family and for being honest and credible organizations that folks can truly rely on.”
— Ed

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 60% savings match. These savings have assisted Step2 participants over the past year in purchasing affordable vehicles through Wheels4Hope.

Interested in registering for our next Step2 cohort please fill out this form or email the Step2 Coordinator at nakeeta@stepupdurham.org, or contact our office at 919-813-0207.

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

    Referral from Employment Counselor or community partner

    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

Step2 Children’s Program

Children’s Program Benefits

  • Children’s Specialist for 2.5hrs/week 

  • Savings account openings $10 fee and $10 deposit paid for by StepUp Durham at Latino Community Credit Union (LCCU) or Self-Help Credit Union

  • Match savings bonuses 50% bonus on student savings investment up to $40/phase

  • Homework bonuses earning up to $25/phase for bringing and completing school homework 

  • Report card bonuses  

  • School grade incentives a $7 per A, $4 per B, and $2 per C

  • Scholarship opportunities 

ELEVATE

  • Open to people enrolled in any of our Step1, Step2, or Step3 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

    Monthly stipend, ranging from $125-$625, given for classes that are longer than 4 weeks based on income and household size

    Bonuses given for each milestone reached based on attendance and academics

Registration

For all Step2 inquiries, email the Step2 Coordinator at nakeeta@stepupdurham.org or contact our office at 919-813-0207.

    • Winter

      January 23rd - March 12th

    • Spring

      April 23rd - June 11th

    • Summer

      July 23rd - September 10th

    • Fall 

      October 22nd - December 10th

    The deadline for the Summer Phase application is 7/18/24