Our Vision
​The September 26th, 2011 issue of Sports Illustrated featured a year long journey by senior writer Alexander Wolff who researched, visited and witnessed the impact of sport in dealing with some of the world's most pressing problems. In his article Wolff writes, "grass roots programs involving tens of thousands of participants around the globe, visionaries are using athletics to tackle the most pressing problems of the developing world - from AIDS in Africa to violence in Rio." Wolff questions whether such projects can have a lasting difference and if the dream of salvation through sport is too grandiose. ​STEER's vision is to use sports participation to save the world one student-athlete at a time.
Our Community
Our students are “at promise” student-athletes. An at promise student-athlete is someone who, by virtue of their circumstance, may be exposed to risk-factors but possess unique qualities and talents that contribute to positive development.
Our Goals
Our goal is to achieve better personal, social, and educational outcomes within STEER communities. Through our individualized support of student-athletes, we aim to ensure high school graduation and provide college and career readiness opportunities. Students are engaged in our program until high school graduation but remain active members of our STEER community after high school.
Our Approach
Our approach is unique because every student is unique. By evaluating need and adapting our program to each individual student, we ensure maximum impact to change the lives of students. We are all on this journey together. Together, we can bridge the gap for our youth and change the world one student athlete at a time.
Our How
Identify Champions within District
STEER identifies "Champions" within each selected district to provide the leadership to successfully implement the STEER program. Champions are typically a leader in school administration and/or a leader in sports programming. Champions help identify and select students for the STEER program. They also promote the programs' benefits to other constituents such as teachers, coaches, parents/guardians, and community members. Champions will maintain an ongoing leadership role throughout program implementation.
Evaluation of Needs and Services
Prior to STEER program implementation, a needs assessment is conducted with Champions as well as an evaluation of existing support services. Our goal is to tailor the program implementation to fit the unique needs of the student population and integrate/utilize existing services as much as possible.
Delivery Programs and Initiatives
STEER Advisors within the district are identified and hired to be the primary delivery resource for students. Advisors are members of the school community who understand our vision, mission, and goals. Oftentimes, our Advisors who have a background in athletics and education and are role models for our students.
The primary responsibilities for STEER Advisor are as follows:
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Identify students for the program​Provide mentorship to students
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Connect students to available resources and services
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Monitor student progress
Measure and Adapt Program
​It is the responsibility of the Board and STEER staff to assess, measure, and adapt the program to meet the needs of the students to achieve their goals. Program adaptations will be considered and evaluated on an ongoing basis to create dynamic programming to meet the mission.
Where We Are
STEER for Student Athletes currently operates in the school districts found below. The goal of our organization is to expose the STEER model to some of the largest and most challenged school districts in the United States. Since 2012, the STEER model has proven effective in selecting at promise youth, identifying areas where support is needed, and efficiently matching a comprehensive set of services around the participant and their families to achieve life changing and sustainable outcomes.
Port Chester Middle School
and Port Chester High School
Website: www.portchesterschools.org
Students (appx.): 1,250
Grades: 7-12
Champion : Luke Sotherden, Principal
Year Launched: 2012
Advisors: 17
Students Served: 114
Charter School of Educational Excellence
​Website: www.charterschoolofeducationalexcellence.org
Students (appx.): 870
Grades: K-12
Champion: Mike DeSimone, Athletic Director
Year Launched: 2021
Advisors: 6
Students Served: 22
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Sleepy Hollow High School
Website: www.tufsd.org
Students (appx.): 860
Grades: 9-12
Champion: Mike Arias, Athletic Director
Year Launched: 2022
Advisors: 5
Students Served: 13
Barack Obama School for Social Justice
​Website: www.yonkerspublicschools.org/obama​
Students (appx.): 600
Grades: 7-12
Champion: Sean Stahn, Head Basketball Coach
Year Launched: 2014
Advisors: 5
Students Served: 54
Careers in Sports High School
​Website: www.cishs.org
Students (appx.): 600
Grades: 9-12
Champion: Johanny Garcia, Principal
Year Launched: 2015
Advisors: 2
Students Served: 27