Far beyond merely connecting children with their communities, Stepping Stone Schools create ‘philanthropreneurs’ connected ethically and morally in service to their communities. Each year, the proceeds raised by the school age children are donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin and Central Texas, and Scotty’s House in College Station. Both of these non-profit organizations directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families. While teaching children the valuable lessons of kindness, caring, gratitude and giving to others, the Young Entrepreneurs and Philanthropists™ program has successfully increased the amount of funds raised year after year. To date, students have raised and donated over $55,000.
Stepping Stone’s school age summer program, Young Entrepreneurs and Philanthropists™, empowers students in developing and using academic skills. Students replicate real business activities found in the adult world, making and selling products and donating their profits to charity. This synergy between curriculum and innovation provides experiential learning, values development, teamwork, social skills building, and community involvement blended into a fun project.
To celebrate their 40th anniversary of providing the highest quality early care and education to the Central Texas area, Stepping Stone School donated $10,000 to become one of three major sponsors of the Thinkery children’s museum newest exhibit called “Earth, Wind and Inspire.” The installation features 14 interactive exhibits offering guests of all ages a chance to explore these complex, often misunderstood, phenomena through visual representations and hands-on experiences.
Stepping Stone School has also proudly sponsored the Kid’s K at the annual Thunder Cloud Subs Turkey Trot for the last 20 years. Not only does this event promote family wellness, it also benefits Caritas of Austin, a non-profit organization working to alleviate hunger, homelessness and poverty.
