A Step Beyond: Changing the Lives of Youth in North County
Escondido nonprofit makes a 10-year commitment to transform lives through dance and education
***Sponsored post
By James Wright
Chief Executive Officer, A Step Beyond
It’s 8 a.m. on a Saturday, and the California Center for the Arts, Escondido campus is filled with nervous excitement. Third- and fourth-grade students line up for auditions, some following in the footsteps of siblings, others encountering A Step Beyond (ASB) for the first time through school dance classes or family connections.
This is not a typical audition. ASB makes a 10-year commitment to every student it serves, offering free dance education, academic support, and family services. After receiving their audition numbers and photos, the music starts and the first steps of a life-changing journey begin.
Behind each audition number is a story, like Max.
Max joined ASB as a third grader who was still learning English. Despite challenges, he worked hard, completed A Step Beyond’s 10-year program, graduated high school with a 4.3 GPA, and is now attending UCLA with dreams of becoming a lawyer and running for public office one day. His story is just one of many ASB students who show what’s possible when a community comes together to support the creative, academic, and social-emotional growth of youth.
“A Step Beyond feels like home, like a family,” shares Max. “When I’m not there, it feels like I’m missing a part of myself. I found myself and my passion there. ASB also provided me with a sense of stability, home, belonging, and a way to express myself as the person I am right now.
ASB gave me the skill of not being scared of doing the impossible. My saying, ‘Something is impossible until you make it possible,’ came from ASB and they pushed me to reach for the impossible.”
A Step Beyond (ASB) is a Creative Youth Development nonprofit organization in Escondido that provides a holistic program of dance education, academic support, and family services to more than 250 low-income youth, with the goal of helping each child finish high school and achieve their college and career goals.
What sets A Step Beyond apart is its ten-year commitment to support North County San Diego students and their families from 3rd grade to high school graduation and beyond. This long-term approach allows ASB to build deep, meaningful relationships that support students’ artistic, academic, and social-emotional development at every stage. The program is offered at no cost to families.
The results speak for themselves: 100% of students who complete the program graduate from high school and are accepted into a college or career pathway aligned to their dreams.
ASB’s programming is grounded in three core areas: dance education, academic support, and family services. Through its dance program, students participate in weekly classes, perform twice annually in major productions, dance at various community performances, and work with professional choreographers who serve as mentors and role models.
The academic program supports students with weekly tutoring and literacy intervention, as well as extensive college preparation and career education through its College & Career Readiness Initiative. Family services include mental health/wellness counseling, expressive arts therapy, case management, crisis intervention, family events, and ongoing workshops that strengthen the bond between home and school.
Dance education is the core of ASB’s program and impacts all areas of a student’s life. This model is based on the understanding that through the mindful practice of dance and a holistic approach to services, students will build the habits of mind needed to shape a stronger future.
In this journey, students grow into role models for their community. Through movement, students build confidence, discipline, and self-expression. They learn to set goals, work through challenges, and believe in their ability to achieve what once felt out of reach. Dance becomes a foundation for academic success, leadership, and lifelong resilience.
Serving a predominantly Hispanic population, with 90 percent of students identifying as Latino and many speaking English as a second language, ASB has adapted its services to meet the needs of the community. Literacy intervention is supported through a specialized program that helps students build stronger reading and writing skills through regular practice aligned to their interests.
Parent workshops are offered quarterly and cover a range of topics such as Understanding the Adolescent Brain, Creating a Comprehensive Academic Profile, and Dual Enrollment: Starting College at Age 15. These resources help parents become more engaged and confident advocates for their children’s futures.
The College and Career Readiness Initiative guides students through every step of the higher education and career journey. ASB provides college tours, supports application processes, and helps with financial aid completion, while also hosting rigorous career labs in which students explore a wide variety of professions over their ten years in the program. Industry professionals offer real-world insight and mentorship, helping students connect their interests with professional opportunities.
A Step Beyond’s impact is not only measurable but deeply personal. 99% of students say ASB helps build their self-confidence. 98% of students feel more successful at school because of ASB. 98% say that dance makes them feel good in their body.
“Dance has taught me that I’m a very passionate person. I love the arts, and I wouldn’t have discovered that if I weren’t introduced to dance at A Step Beyond.” - Ruby, ASB class of 2014
A Step Beyond is more than a nonprofit. It’s more than a dance studio. It’s more than an after-school tutoring program. A Step Beyond is a community, a promise, and a pathway forward. Through creativity, academic rigor, and consistent support, ASB helps youth and families take their next step and create a brighter future. Watch this impact video to see how a decade of sustained support is shaping futures and opening doors for youth across our North San Diego County community.
As we approach the end of the year, ASB invites you to make a gift in support of its Season of Giving campaign before December 31st. Your generosity ensures more students like Max have the opportunity to dream big and make the impossible possible. Click here to make a real difference in local youth’s lives this holiday season.
Donate here: https://a-step-beyond.org/donation-form/
James Wright is the CEO of A Step Beyond. The Escondido nonprofit is a Creative Youth Development organization that provides free dance education, academic support, and family services to low-income youth in North San Diego County. ASB offers a ten-year commitment to youth and families, serving them from 3rd grade to high school graduation and beyond. Your support this Season of Giving ensures more students have the resources, guidance, and confidence to finish high school and achieve their college and career dreams.
Send story ideas, tips and sponsorship requests to ncpipeline760@gmail.com. Follow North County Pipeline on Instagram, Facebook, X and Reddit.