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Our Mission and Vision

  • To empower youth in Norfolk to build the independent, resilient character they will need to earn success and enjoy happy, fulfilling lives as adults.
  • Cut the poverty rate in Norfolk by one-half within one generation.

INSPIRING
SUCCESS
ONE STEP
AT A TIME

Our Mission
Afterschool Program
Summer School Program
Apply Now

All youth want to succeed! 

All youth can succeed! 

All youth deserve a chance to earn success! 

All youth want to succeed! 

All youth can succeed! 

All youth deserve a chance to earn success! 

Our Programs

  • Free enrollment for qualifying students
  • Transportation provided (pick-up & drop-off included)
  • Hands-on learning & mentorship

At Next Step to Success, we provide free afterschool and summer programs that equip Norfolk’s youth (ages 13-18) with the skills, mindset, and confidence to break the cycle of poverty and build successful futures. Through hands-on learning, career exploration, and character development, students expand their horizons, build resilience, and develop the grit needed to achieve their goals.

Afterschool Program

Designed to help students explore careers, develop life skills, and build resilience, our afterschool program offers real-world learning experiences in professional fields, trades, military, and the arts—preparing students for a successful future.

Read More About the Afterschool Program

Summer School Program

A full-day immersive experience where students take on challenges, strengthen perseverance, and explore career paths while gaining the confidence to reach their full potential.

Read More About the Summer School Program

What parents say...

"The program has been absolutely wonderful! It takes my grandson's time up in the afternoon instead of being on the computer, and I love that. This has been such a rewarding experience for him."

"My grandson just turned 13 and is finally in the program. My granddaughter was in the program before him and is now at VCU. She was incredibly shy, but while in the program all she could talk about was Mr. Muhanmna and all the friends she made."

You've helped my daughter grow and develop. My son was also a participant in the program, he's now in college! Next Step to Success has helped me raise these kids.

"These coaches are invaluable to our family. It means a lot to me how patient you are with my child."

"I picked up the phone on a Friday, saying I don't know what I'm going to do with my child on Monday. They said 'I got you', and its been that way ever since."

"My husband and I are very thankful for this program. Elijah used to be a shy kid and is now coming out of his shell. If I have any problems, I call Mr. Muhanma, I have him on speed dial!"

    Our Partners

    Our partners help Next Step To Success live our mission of empowering youth in Norfolk to build the independent, resilient character they will need to earn success and enjoy happy, fulfilling lives as adults. (Click on the image to expand)

    More About Our Partners
    Email Us to Learn More

    The New St. Vincent DePaul House Campus

    ABOUT THE NEW CAMPUS

    The site of Norfolk’s abandoned DePaul Hospital soon will brim with youthful energy as the new home of the James Barry-Robinson Institute’s Next Step for Success (NSTS) program.

    Learn More about our wonderful new home

    OUR BUY-A-BRICK CAMPAIGN

    Make your mark with a 4″×8″ brick at the Main Entrance of our new headquarters for $200. Personalize up to 3 lines and become a lasting part of the St. Vincent de Paul House Campus.

    Learn More about the campaign, or puchase NOW!

    Sponsorship Opportunities

    We believe that, by working together, we can cut Norfolk's poverty rate in one-half within a generation, resulting in a community that is safer, better educated, more prosperous and richer in opportunity for everyone. For too long, we have listened to people declare that “someone - 'they' - should do something about our high rate of poverty in Norfolk” (whoever “they” are). Well, at Next Step to Success we have decided that we and our community parties are “they”.

    Learn More About This Great Opportunity!

    Graduate Success Stories

    Poverty is a serious challenge in Norfolk—our poverty rate is nearly twice the state average, and more than 25% of children grow up in low-income households. At Next Step to Success, we are changing that. By guiding our youth through the proven Success Sequence, we aim to cut Norfolk's poverty rate in half within a generation. When we invest in our youth, we transform not just their lives—but our entire community. A future where Norfolk is safer, stronger, and richer in opportunity is possible—but it requires action. For too long, we’ve heard people say, “Someone should do something about poverty.” At Next Step to Success, we are that someone. And so are you. You and I - we - are “they.” This is our moment to unite, take action, and create lasting change. *Source: Cranium Tap survey

    95

    Stated that NSTS kept them safe.

    96

    Showed improvement in their group.

    100

    Indicated that there is a staff member at NSTS who they respect.

    More Success Stories

    Ready to Take the Next Step?


    At Next Step to Success, we provide a safe, structured, and engaging environment where teens (ages 13-18) build life skills, confidence, and career readiness—all at no cost to families. Help your teen take the next step toward success—apply today!

    Apply Now!

    Ready to Take the Next Step?

    At Next Step to Success, we provide a safe, structured, and engaging environment where teens (ages 13-18) build life skills, confidence, and career readiness—all at no cost to families. Help your teen take the next step toward success—apply today!

    Apply Now!