STEP Ahead

The STEP Ahead youth enrichment program offers free afterschool and summer camp activities for high school students with special needs. In partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-CDPS), the program facilitates the transition from high school to the adult world through:

  • Job training activities
  • Financial literacy activities
  • Life skills activities and social skill lessons
  • Civic Engagement activities
  • Art
  • Fitness
  • Field Trips

Our goal is to prepare the participants with the tools and experience necessary in order to ensure a comfortable and successful transition.

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Participants 

Students with intellectual disabilities between the ages of 14 and 22 are eligible for the program.

Location, Days and Hours of Operation

STEP Ahead is offered year-round at:
Education and Community Services Department
7400 W 24th Avenue, Hialeah, 33016

The school-year program follows the M-DCPS calendar and is offered Monday through Friday from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM.

The summer camp program operates from June 12, 2023 though July 27, 2023, Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Register early because space is limited. 

Summer camp will be closed on Tuesday July 4th, 2023 in observance of Independence Day.

Staff

Our staff includes state-certified teachers, trained counselors and program leaders. There are CPR and first aid certified staff the site. Staff meet Level 2 screening requirements as described in F.S. 1012.32 (Florida Statutes).

Job Training

Program participants have job training opportunities at various sites throughout the city during the school year.

Registration for After School and Summer Camp Program and Fees

To register please visit our office located at 7400 W 24 Ave (2nd Floor) Hialeah, FL 33016. You will need to bring the following documents to our office to complete your registration:

English Registration Form 2022-2023

English Parent Handbook 2022-2023

Spanish Registration Form 2022-2023

Spanish Parent Handbook 2022-2023

Parents may be required to attach or bring the following Required Documents to completed registration if needed:

  • Copy of student’s birth certificate or passport
  • Copy of the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP)
  • Copy of utility bill
  • Current photo of student
  • Current report card
  • There is a one time non-refundable registration fee of $50.00 required for all participants for the afterschool year (August 17, 2022- June 7, 2023).
  • There is a one time non-refundable registration fee of $50.00 required for all participants for the summer camp (June 12, 2023- July 27, 2023).

For questions please call 305-818-9143.

Transportation

Free transportation is available from participating schools to our program site and from the program site to the home for students that live in Hialeah/Hialeah Gardens and Miami Lakes/Miami Gardens.

Funding

The City of Hialeah’s STEP Ahead Youth Enrichment program is funded in part by The Children’s Trust. The Trust is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County.

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Updated 07/22/22