NEXT LEVEL is a program that helps African American (descendants of Black Freedman) youth access the best opportunities for placement in our nation's top colleges, universities, conservatories, internships, and apprenticeships. The Next Level program works to ensure that students of color receive access to high-stakes educational opportunities through mentorship, leadership development and community education. Next Level works to have mentors and educators talk with students and parents about educational opportunities including: access to top colleges and universities, as well as competitive internships, fellowships, research opportunities and apprenticeships. Next level also works to build a pipeline of students prepared to matriculate into higher status opportunities by working to increase the number of students taking higher-level courses with partnered schools. When pushed academically and given equal access, we know that students can discover just what they’re capable of and be inspired to reach higher educational goals than they might have previously dreamed of.
Steppers Cultural Arts Program, is a youth development program that aims to increase at-risk children’s physical fitness, self-esteem and social and cultural development through the arts. Through African American Social Dance, children have the opportunity to participate in a recreational activity that benefits them mentally, physically, and emotionally. The program goes beyond just teaching dance technique, by introducing young people to the legacy of a cultural art form that emphasizes the elements of community, collaboration, creativity and confidence. This program will give youth skills that will prepare them as they age into the adult world and possibly save their lives.
The FREEDMAN FLIGHT INITIATIVE serves as a dedicated liaison program, connecting Black American youth with a network of aviation programs, colleges, mentors, and career opportunities within the aviation industry. The initiative is committed to bridging gaps in access and awareness, ensuring that aspiring Black aviation professionals have the resources, guidance, and support they need to embark on fulfilling career journeys. Through the Freedman Flight Initiative, participants gain awareness and access to opportunities with leading flight training programs, universities, and aviation organizations. The initiative works to help navigate youth to hands-on workshops, industry field trips, and career pathway sessions. The participants will have the chance to interact and work closely with aviation professionals, educators, and organizations to provide meaningful learning experiences. The Freedman Flight Initiative also fosters connections with experienced Black mentors, creating a supportive community where youth can receive personal guidance, insights into the industry, and inspiration from role models who look like them and reflect their aspirations. The initiative’s multifaceted approach ensures that each participant has the opportunity to explore different aspects of aviation and build a customized roadmap for success. The Freedman Flight Initiative is dedicated to increasing Black representation in the aviation industry by unlocking access to scholarships, internships, and academic opportunities that would otherwise be challenging to find. As a committed liaison, the Freedman Flight Initiative, builds connections that empower Black American youth to achieve their dreams in aviation, breaking down barriers and creating a clear, supported pathway toward careers in the aviation industry.
An accomplished entertainment artist, speaker, and educator, was born and raised in Joliet, IL. After graduating high school, he attended Millikin University to pursue musical theater and dance. He has performed and worked around the globe as a performer/artist in the entertainment industry for various companies such as Hong Kong Disneyland, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Bally’s Las Vegas, Google, Target, and Apple.
As the CEO and Founder of "Step Into The Light," Mr. Lucas' goal is to lead and navigate a career path for students and their families. Since 2020, Step Into The Light's NEXT LEVEL program has students participate in year-round programming and have helped students be successfully accepted or waitlisted to esteemed colleges throughout the U.S. such as Harvard, Howard University, New York University, Morehouse, Cornell, Spelman College, University of Southern California, Xavier of Louisiana, Tulane University, Florida A&M, Baylor, Vanderbilt, and North Carolina A & T University.
An accomplished entertainment artist, speaker, and educator, was born and raised in Joliet, IL. After graduating high school, he attended Millikin University to pursue musical theater and dance. He has performed and worked around the globe as a performer/artist in the entertainment industry for various companies such as Hong Kong Disneyland, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Bally’s Las Vegas, Google, Target, and Apple.
As the CEO and Founder of "Step Into The Light," Mr. Lucas' goal is to lead and navigate a career path for students and their families. Since 2020, Step Into The Light's NEXT LEVEL program has students participate in year-round programming and have helped students be successfully accepted or waitlisted to esteemed colleges throughout the U.S. such as Harvard, Howard University, New York University, Morehouse, Cornell, Spelman College, University of Southern California, Xavier of Louisiana, Tulane University, Florida A&M, Baylor, Vanderbilt, and North Carolina A & T University.
An accomplished entertainment artist, speaker, and educator, was born and raised in Joliet, IL. After graduating high school, he attended Millikin University to pursue musical theater and dance. He has performed and worked around the globe as a performer/artist in the entertainment industry for various companies such as Hong Kong Disneyland, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Bally’s Las Vegas, Google, Target, and Apple.
As the CEO and Founder of "Step Into The Light," Mr. Lucas' goal is to lead and navigate a career path for students and their families. Since 2020, Step Into The Light's NEXT LEVEL program has students participate in year-round programming and have helped students be successfully accepted or waitlisted to esteemed colleges throughout the U.S. such as Harvard, Howard University, New York University, Morehouse, Cornell, Spelman College, University of Southern California, Xavier of Louisiana, Tulane University, Florida A&M, Baylor, Vanderbilt, and North Carolina A & T University.
An accomplished entertainment artist, speaker, and educator, was born and raised in Joliet, IL. After graduating high school, he attended Millikin University to pursue musical theater and dance. He has performed and worked around the globe as a performer/artist in the entertainment industry for various companies such as Hong Kong Disneyland, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Bally’s Las Vegas, Google, Target, and Apple.
As the CEO and Founder of "Step Into The Light," Mr. Lucas' goal is to lead and navigate a career path for students and their families. Since 2020, Step Into The Light's NEXT LEVEL program has students participate in year-round programming and have helped students be successfully accepted or waitlisted to esteemed colleges throughout the U.S. such as Harvard, Howard University, New York University, Morehouse, Cornell, Spelman College, University of Southern California, Xavier of Louisiana, Tulane University, Florida A&M, Baylor, Vanderbilt, and North Carolina A & T University.
An accomplished entertainment artist, speaker, and educator, was born and raised in Joliet, IL. After graduating high school, he attended Millikin University to pursue musical theater and dance. He has performed and worked around the globe as a performer/artist in the entertainment industry for various companies such as Hong Kong Disneyland, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Bally’s Las Vegas, Google, Target, and Apple.
As the CEO and Founder of "Step Into The Light," Mr. Lucas' goal is to lead and navigate a career path for students and their families. Since 2020, Step Into The Light's NEXT LEVEL program has students participate in year-round programming and have helped students be successfully accepted or waitlisted to esteemed colleges throughout the U.S. such as Harvard, Howard University, New York University, Morehouse, Cornell, Spelman College, University of Southern California, Xavier of Louisiana, Tulane University, Florida A&M, Baylor, Vanderbilt, and North Carolina A & T University.
