NEXT STEP: the Rappahannock County College and Career Access Program is a partnership between Headwaters and the Rappahannock County Public Schools. Established in 2005, the program works with every student at Rappahannock County High School and many students at Rappahannock County Elementary School.

MISSION: Next Step, in partnership with Rappahannock County Public Schools faculty and staff, guidance professionals, and community members, makes sure all students have the resources they need to create and carry out the college, vocational, or career plan that’s right for them.

WHAT WE DO:
»MOTIVATE. The staff has spent thousands of hours in individual meetings with students and parents. Our motto? “Tell us your dream and we will help you turn it into a plan.”
»EDUCATE. We offer workshops to students, teachers, and parents. We operate a resource center at the high school. We’ve taken hundreds of students on trips to over 35 different campuses in six states – from William and Mary to Germanna Automotive; from Charleston, SC, to Palo Alto, CA. We brought the SAT to the county. Our website is packed with information about colleges, trade schools, and scholarships. Last but not least, we conduct “early awareness” activities for younger children, so that their early dreams can guide their academic choices.
»PLAN. Next Step helps families navigate the financial aid process. We locate and administer new local scholarships—over $100,000 worth, at last count. We stay in touch after graduation, to be sure students continue to get the help they need to complete their studies.

SCHOLARSHIPS: In addition to administering local “named” scholarships, we offer Next Step Dream Awards to help deserving students with financial need achieve their goals. Sometimes $1,000 can determine whether or not a qualified student goes to college.

FUNDING: Rappahannock County Public Schools provides a much-appreciated annual contribution to our operating costs, but the program is largely sustained by generous individuals and businesses. Ongoing support has been provided by Rappahannock National Bank and by countless community members who care about Rappahannock youth.

GET INVOLVED! You can:

• Offer internship or job-shadowing opportunities at your business
• Help students and families with financial aid applications
• Remember Next Step in your will
• Donate scholarship or operating funds

DID YOU KNOW?
Next Step is not just about college—we also help students explore, enroll in, and pay for trade school and certificate programs.
While we work with every student, we give priority to those who will be the first in their families to pursue higher education.
We’ve found that students who have a plan are more likely to take the hardest courses and to work hard in school.

The Next Step staff are available Monday - Friday to meet with students and their families. For an appointment, call 987-8335 or email nextstep@headwatersfdn.org