STEP with Fabien Cousteau

STEP knows that developing caring and responsible leadership is as essential to our nation’s future as preserving its natural resources. The unique collaboration with Fabien Cousteau began several years ago, when S.T.E.P. implemented its program in New York City Schools. Having lived on Hilton Head Island as a child, Fabien is aware of the importance of protecting our environment.

The S.T.E.P. with Fabien Cousteau partnership will provide challenging ways to engage a young person’s involvement, whether it be teaching another student communication skills in a classroom, or learning from a mentor aboard a research vessel. Whether on a boat, or exploring the outdoors on a beach treasure hunt, life skill lessons will be interwoven in a fun and interactive way to provide opportunities to learn things that could never be learned in a classroom. As students begin the program in middle school, and their mentoring skills grow, they achieve an expanded view of themselves, enabling them to make positive decisions in life.

S.T.E.P. is broadening its original concept to include first-hand discovery and exploration of the ecosystem, furthering the understanding of the connections between land, ocean, ourselves, the world and people of different cultures. Young people will be taught, through observation and hands-on interaction, about marine life, while becoming empowered to be responsible and appreciate the importance of striving to make the world a better place. They will also gain a better understanding of biological and ecological sciences, which will in turn foster hope and the perception that they can each make a difference.

S.T.E.P. with Fabien Cousteau will not only have access to state of the art technology, but will also have a safe and caring environment in which to offer workshops to children of all ages, where the need to be better stewards of our natural resources will be emphasized and where they will learn that they play a critical role in building, as well as benefiting from, a healthy community.

Infused in the process will be opportunities for students to learn more about themselves and others through positive risk taking. They will be presented with personal challenges which range from group initiatives, requiring individuals to work together, to activities which encourage personal problem solving skills. Students will be given real world simulation and role-playing exercises, empowering them to take more responsibility for their own lives, as well as ecosystems, thus facilitating a safer and healthier lifestyle.

Though it may be obvious, it must be noted that through exposure to S.T.E.P. with Fabien Cousteau, many students will not only improve their knowledge of themselves, biological and ecological sciences and the ecosystem, but may in fact improve their own academics leading to a more successful life. It is promised to be a true learning experience in a fun and exciting atmosphere. Young people will get an educational adventure which will inspire their curiosity and encourage their effort to become strong, resilient, successful, healthy people.

Parents may wish that they were children again when they see the array of on-site features that will be available to their children through S.T.E.P. with Fabien Cousteau. Diverse programs will be offered year-round in conjunction with the opportunities to study abroad with Fabien Cousteau aboard a research vessel. They will learn to explore the ocean and marshes while learning values that will stay with them for their entire lives. These experiences will not be limited to children that live in the local area, but visitors will also be encouraged to participate and ultimately share their experiences with their own communities.

At the heart of the organization are the people that work to make it possible. S.T.E.P. has long stated that education is the key to healthy future for young people, and along with a team of very dedicated members of the community, they are not afraid to back up this claim with time, energy and financial support. A new facility will be built to provide children of the Lowcountry and surrounding region with a myriad of opportunities to help ensure that they become successful, caring adults which every parent will be proud of.

If you are interested in helping to organize STEP in your community, contact us at contact[@]gostep.org