Learn How We Raised Over $175,000 to Empower Youth This Month!

Nearly 200 leaders from the business, education, and nonprofit community gathered at The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa on Thursday, September 8th, 2022, to celebrate A Step Beyond’s 2nd Annual Wine-Tasting Benefit, Creating Bright Futures. A Step Beyond (ASB) is a nonprofit afterschool program in North San Diego that prepares underserved youth for success in college, career and life through a 10-year program featuring dance education, academics, and family services. The event raised more than $175,000 to empower youth, and featured fine wine, food, and a program honoring the first graduating cohort of ASB students, the Class of 2023.

A Step Beyond (ASB) opened its doors in fall of 2014. ASB is on track to have one hundred percent of its first graduating class in the spring of 2023 complete high school and go on to college or a career pathway program aligned to their dreams.To ensure their readiness, ASB uses a research-based career education program called “World of Work” to expose students to career opportunities. It is designed for all students in all grades and integrates relevant, real-world exposure to a broad range of careers and professions. Pictured from left to right: Steve Wagner, Laura Wagner, Becky Trachsel, and Steve Trachsel.
Photographer: Kat Johnson
 A Step Beyond’s (ASB) goal is to prepare every student for success in all aspects of their life. ASB helps students finish high school, move on to higher education or a career of their choice. Most of ASB’s students will be the first in their family to graduate high school and then to attend college. Whatever their post-high school college or career aspirations are, ASB is here to support our students and make sure they have a plan in place to reach their goals. Future graduates will receive continued mentorship and alumni support, as well as scholarships and supplemental financial support. Pictured from left to right: Dr. Jose Villarreal, Principal, Vista Unified School District; Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey, President, Palomar Community College District; Dr. Jennifer Ostergren, Dean, California State University San Marcos
Photographer: Kat Johnson
A Step Beyond provides services after school to youth from 3rd to 12th grade at its campus at the California Center for Performing Arts in downtown Escondido. The organization’s program is unique because of its ten-year commitment to its students and their families, at no cost. ASB’s program is a step beyond what the public schools offer their students in dance education, academic support and social services. Pictured from left to right: Kay Bates, Owner and Broker at Bates Realty and Property Management; and Tiffany Bates
Photographer: Kat Johnson
A Step Beyond provides strong enrichment in dance, music, and other expressive arts, which research indicates can improve cognitive learning abilities and understanding of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines. The organization also provides Family Services to promote social and emotional strength. ASB’s holistic model allows students to create healthy friendships, positive relationships with adults, and fosters a safe and nurturing environment. Pictured: Chase Langlois and Katrina King
Photographer: Kat Johnson
A Step Beyond serves over 230 students from Escondido and San Marcos. By their fourth year at ASB, the average student GPA increases by 1.16 points, over one full letter grade. 98% of students feel their participation in ASB helps them feel more successful at school. Additionally, 97% of students believe that ASB helps them become a better person, and 100% report having a mentor who cares about them at ASB. Pictured: Shara Chavez, ASB 10th grader
Photographer: Kat Johnson