The Mayor's Next Step program is invaluable to high school seniors in the city of Atlanta. The program promises students an opportunity to continue their education by alleviating financial worries that might deter them from pursuing higher education. Also, by providing job opportunities, it enables students to discover possible career fields. My story is a testament to both.

As a recent 2006 graduate of North Atlanta High School, I was eager to move on the next phase of my academic career. I had a scholarship to Stanford University and a great summer job working for the Bureau of Cultural Affairs, courtesy of Next Step. I was in my third year in the program and it was in the ArtsCool program that I first discovered my artistic abilities and was allowed to exhibit my works. Since that time I have had group exhibits at the Museum of Contemporary Art GA, Atlanta City Hall East and a two-man exhibit at the Chastain Art Gallery. This alone is reason to praise Next Step.

Later in that summer, however, some of my grades were called into question at the University and it was decided that I would have to successfully complete college coursework as a prerequisite for admission in the Fall of 2007. It was a significant blow. Upon researching the courses, I found that I did not fall within the appropriate guidelines to receive financial assistance and would have to finance the course work out of pocket. That is when Next Step stepped in. The program directors, without hesitation, gave me the necessary funds to complete my course work. I would later finish the Applied Physics course with an 'A' and the highest grade in the class. Next Step also set me up with an interview at Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP, a large Atlanta-based law firm in Midtown. I currently work in the Human Resources department and will do so until September 2007. Sutherland has enabled me to obtain corporate work experience and understand office dynamics. I have a level of responsibility I would not have gained with another job. I have developed good work ethics and learned a great deal from those around me. None of this would have been possible if not for Next Step.

My personal experience with the program shows the level of commitment that it's leaders possess. Next Step is dedicated to making sure that Atlanta high school students have the chance to attain their goals. In light of what can only be called a grave miss-step on my part, the program still allowed me to hold on to my goals and ambitions. They did not have to help me. That dedication to making a change in the city's educational landscape is such an awesome and laudable undertaking. The value of the program is not just monetary. It is not just a singular occurrence. The program continues to provide employment opportunities after the first year of college as well as career training support for life beyond those four years.

I am so eager to tell of my experience with Next Step because its impact on my life has been so significant. There can be no doubt as to the importance of programs like this one. Mine is just one story, but there are countless others who would not be as successful today were it not for the guidance Next Step has provided. So many students think that they “can’t do” because they “don’t have”. This just is not true. I hope that the Next Step program continues to grow and help more and more Atlanta Public School Students seek secondary education. Those who support the program will not just support students but themselves by helping to produce goal-oriented adults that will contribute to our society. And thanks to Next Step I will be one of them. I salute Mayor Shirley Franklin and her staff of concerned, compassionate workers for their dedication to the development of future leaders of the fine city of Atlanta.

Thank you,
Kiana Shelton

Kiana Shelton, a 2006 graduate of North Atlanta High School
who is interning with Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan LLC this summer
through the Mayor’s Youth Program