PARTNER WITH
STEPS FOR YOUTH
Steps for Youth is the nonprofit arm of Steps PDX, created to break down barriers in dance education and ensure that every child has access to high-quality training and community, regardless of financial circumstance. Our mission is to foster equity, representation, accessibility, and belonging in dance spaces that have historically excluded many people.
We proudly offer three cornerstone initiatives that reflect this commitment:
BIPOC Youth Dance Program | Providing affordable and enriching dance education for Youth of Color who have historically been excluded from the art form. Students explore creative movement, ballet, and tap while learning foundational concepts of space, energy, pathways, technique, and choreography. Each spring, dancers perform at PSU Lincoln Hall, sharing their artistry with family, friends, and community.
DanceAbility Program | A mixed-abilities dance program rooted in improvisation, designed to ensure that people of all physical and cognitive abilities can experience the joy and empowerment of movement. This program celebrates autonomy, creativity, and inclusivity, making dance truly accessible to all.
Scholarship Opportunities | Financial aid is available for students in all of our programs, ensuring that finances are never a barrier to participation. We offer sliding-scale tuition, merit- and need-based scholarships, and community-supported opportunities for dancers with professional aspirations.
Our work extends beyond the studio. We engage with the broader community by partnering with local schools and organizations, hosting free community events, and offering resources to youth of all backgrounds and abilities. For those with a passion to pursue dance professionally, we provide scholarships and mentorship opportunities.
These programs are partially grant-funded and sustained by the generosity of donors who believe in our vision. Community contributions directly support tuition assistance, scholarships, and the growth of our outreach programs, helping us serve more dancers each year.
We are proud to be led by Women of Color and supported by a diverse faculty team that reflects the community we serve. Representation matters. Our teachers bring a wealth of artistry, professional training, and lived experience that inspire the next generation of dancers to see themselves fully in the art form.
At Steps for Youth, we are committed not only to teaching dance technique, but also to nurturing confidence, cultural pride, discipline, and creativity. Through thoughtful curriculum design, mentorship, and performance opportunities, we create spaces where every child feels seen, valued, and celebrated.
Together, we are building more than dancers. We are cultivating leaders, artists, and community members who will carry these values forward.
We depend on your support to continue nurturing our partnerships with local schools, and expand, to make dance accessible to more youth.
Steps for Youth offers scholarships to students that demonstrate natural abilities and have the passion to pursue dance professionally. Students attend up to 13+ classes a week at Steps PDX Ballet School, participate in performances, workshops and summer intensives. By contributing to this scholarship fund, you can make a difference for passionate youth to grow and pursue their ambitions.
Community Events - We offer donation based community dance events for youth throughout the year. The day is filled with movement based classes and healthy snacks and water are provided. Events include, Youth Day of Dance, Full Circle and more.
DanceAbility - Movement class focused on serving people with disabilities. We have a current partnership with On the Move Integration.
BIPOC Youth Dance Program - a 10 month dance program offered to students who identify as Black, Indigenous or People of Color.
We partner with local organizations like WhiteBird and host dance workshops at our studio. Professional dance company members teach community classes at our studio and host a Q&A portion to give students the opportunity to interact with artists and get insight on their career paths. Past community classes have included Dallas Black Dance Theatre and Camille A. Brown and Dancers.
How can you support?
Support Steps for Youth with a tax deductible donation.You are a crucial part of everything we do.
Steps for Youth is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization that depends on your tax deductible support.
EIN # 84-3167211
DOUBLE or even TRIPLE YOUR DONATION with a
matching gift from your employer!
Visit your human resources office to retrieve a matching gift form, complete it and send it to us at admin@stepspdx.com or
Steps PDX, P.O. Box 14101, Portland, OR 97293.
Become a Sponsor
HERE ARE WAYS YOU CAN MAKE AN IMPACT
Steps PDX is committed to providing the best sponsorship opportunities
to meet your needs and budget. Please reach out to create a customized opportunity.