About
Scholarships
About
Transforming Lives Through Coaching, Mentorship & Technology
Student StepUp is a youth-driven organization on a mission to transform lives through coaching, mentorship, education, and technology. We equip youth with the skills, support, and confidence to succeed in school and beyond — envisioning a world where young people from all backgrounds have the tools to thrive in the digital age.
Mission
What Does S.T.E.P.U.P. Stand For?
Our name is more than an acronym — it's a declaration of purpose. S.T.E.P.U.P. stands for Strengthening Tech-Talent, Education, Purposefully & Uplifting Participation. Every word reflects our unwavering commitment to innovative learning and inclusive community empowerment. We don't only teach skills, we build futures, one young person at a time.
Strengthening
Building resilient, capable young people ready for the challenges ahead.
TechTalent
Developing digital fluency and technical skills for the modern workforce.
Education
Centering learning as the foundation of every program and initiative.
Purposefully Uplifting Participation
Ensuring every voice is heard and every student has a seat at the table.
Our Story
Built for Every Student

Student StepUp was founded in 2015 by a passionate group of educators and college students in Brooklyn, New York. The organization emerged as a direct response to a pressing reality: students were struggling in school, and college youth were eager to step up and make a meaningful difference in their communities.
What started as a grassroots effort to bridge the gap between struggling learners and motivated young mentors has grown into a structured, impactful organization. From those early days in Brooklyn, Student StepUp has remained rooted in the belief that the most powerful change agents for young people are often other young people — those who have walked the same hallways, faced the same challenges, and found a way through.
Founded
Established in 2015 by educators and college students in Brooklyn, NY.
The Spark
A response to students struggling academically and college youth eager to make a difference.
The Growth
From a grassroots initiative to a structured youth empowerment organization with lasting impact.
Our Approach
The Near-Peer Model: Relatable Role Models, Real Results
The Near-Peer Philosophy
At the heart of our approach is the near-peer model, empowering college and late high school students to serve as coaches for younger peers. These relatable role models understand the pressures and experiences of the students they serve, making mentorship more authentic and effective.
Our coaches also have the option to support small businesses and nonprofit organizations that lack access to updated technology and training, extending the impact of our work beyond the classroom and into the broader community.
Technology-Powered Training
We leverage cutting-edge technology — including virtual reality learning tools, to train our coaches in effective communication, educational technology, and innovation. This ensures every coach is equipped with both the soft skills and technical knowledge to make a real difference.
Our team includes experienced educators, tech innovators, and student leaders, all united by a passion for youth empowerment. Our founder, Greg Paul, is a mentor and coach himself, instilling a youth-first philosophy in everything we do.
Near-Peer Coaching
College and high school students coach younger peers as relatable, trusted role models.
VR Learning Tools
Virtual reality technology trains coaches in communication, edtech, and innovation.
Community Support
Coaches extend their skills to small businesses and nonprofits lacking tech access.
Youth-First Leadership
Founder Greg Paul leads with a youth-first philosophy, backed by educators and tech innovators.
How We Empower: Connect, Coach, Create, Change
"At Student StepUp, our philosophy is encapsulated in four powerful actions that drive every program and initiative. We believe in actively engaging with students at every stage of their development, providing the tools and support they need to thrive." Gregory Paul, CEO
Connect
We bridge the gap, linking students to a robust network of mentors, essential resources, and supportive community networks that foster growth and belonging.
Coach
Our dedicated coaches guide youth through the complexities of academic pursuits, personal development, and critical career challenges, building confidence and resilience.
Create
We forge clear and actionable pathways for young individuals, opening doors to higher education, valuable credentials, and fulfilling careers in the digital age.
Change
Ultimately, we aim to transform and trandsend life trajectories, empowering students to achieve their full potential and contribute positively to their communities for a brighter future.