Tracy Baynes of STEP: Guiding Hard Working, Low Income Students to College.

Tracy Baynes of STEP: Guiding Hard Working, Low Income Students to College.

Author: Venkat Raman November 10, 2024 Duration: 46:16

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Tracy got her PhD from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. For years after that, she taught college students in programs called “Semesters at Sea”. During that time she was also an instructor for the Outward Bound with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).

She noticed that all her students were wealthy.

That insight led Tracy to found the STEP - an amazing program to provide guidance to high achieving, low income students to get to college.

Tracy joins us on our podcast to talk about her background, the origins of STEP, The Organization and the program, How to apply for STEP, Success Stories, and finally Tips for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her: 

  • Tracy Baynes’ Background
  • Founding STEP
  • How to Apply
  • Learnings from STEP

Topics discussed in this episode:

  • Introducing Tracy Baynes, Founder, CEO of STEP []
  • Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
  • Background []
  • Origins of STEP []
  • The STEP Org []
  • Becoming a STEP Student []
  • Internal Motivation of Students []
  • Engaging Parents []
  • Success Stories []
  • What makes STEP tick? []
  • How Students have changed in 20 years? []
  • What’s Next? []
  • Closing Thoughts []

Our Guest: Tracy Baynes is the Founder and CEO of STEP - Student Expedition Program in Tucson Arizona.

Memorable Quote: “What we say is, we can't want this more than you do. Like in the end, you have to do the hard work, and you have to do the hard work when nobody's looking, you have to do the hard work when nobody's giving you accolades. And that's what it takes, right?  Anything you want, is on the other side of hard work.” Tracy Baynes.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences, College Application Workbook 

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Navigating the path from high school to college is filled with big questions and personal choices. College Matters. Alma Matters., hosted by Venkat Raman, offers a space for those stories, moving beyond dry advice to share real conversations. Each episode brings forward the voices of people who have been exactly where you are-alumni reflecting on their campus lives, faculty members discussing what they look for in students, admissions officers demystifying their process, and counselors offering grounded strategies. This isn't about a single formula for success; it's about hearing a diverse collection of journeys and practical insights that can help you shape your own. Tuning into this podcast feels like getting honest, thoughtful perspectives from a trusted mentor. The focus remains on authentic personal experiences, from the challenges of preparation to the transformative moments of actual college life. By presenting these narratives, the aim is to both inform and inspire, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of what lies ahead. For any student charting their course toward higher education, these conversations can be a valuable companion, offering clarity and encouragement for the road ahead.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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