Pepperdine GSEP Inspires Over 400 Students at Step Forward Day with Watts Learning Center Charter Middle School
Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) proudly participated in Step Forward Day, an annual event that brings Pepperdine alumni, students, staff, and faculty together to serve local communities. This year, the event took place at the Watts Learning Center Charter Middle School (WLCCMS) in South Los Angeles, where more than 400 students, along with parents and educators, gathered to learn about the importance of higher education and how institutions like Pepperdine could be part of their future.
Step Forward Day, established in 1988 by two Seaver College students, has since expanded into a national initiative, with Pepperdine hosting service events across the country. At WLCCMS, the focus was on empowering students to envision their academic paths and gain practical knowledge about college admissions. Dr. Shanetta Weatherspoon, Executive Director of the Foster Grandparent Program at Pepperdine University, encouraged the students to start thinking about their future now: "College is important to help your family, your economic growth for your family. That’s why college is important, and don’t think that you’re too young. You’re never too young to think about college."
Watts Learning Center has been a valued station partner with Pepperdine’s Foster Grandparent Program for over 25 years, with volunteers serving daily at the elementary and middle schools to provide mentoring, tutoring, and social support to the students. The expansion of this partnership through Step Forward Day further strengthens the bond between Pepperdine and the WLCCMS community. "We were happy to expand our partnership in this way," Dr. Weatherspoon added, emphasizing the deep commitment Pepperdine has to fostering educational success.
Students received informational packets detailing the college application process and guidance for parents on tracking their child’s academic progress. The event also included an award ceremony to recognize student achievements and a lively performance by the WLCCMS cheer squad.
Dr. Renee Dorn, Director of Alumni Relations at GSEP, underscored the importance of this long-standing partnership: "We work with the Watts Learning Center on a regular basis, and this event is a wonderful opportunity for us to continue serving the community."
Pepperdine alumni and students played an active role, offering mentorship and sharing their own educational experiences. Ja’Nea James, a student at UC Irvine School of Medicine, reflected on her desire to inspire the younger generation: "I really want these kids to see that they can go out and do things, especially because I came from a low-income background. You have to have that motivation and drive, but it’s very possible."
The day served as a powerful reminder of the importance of mentorship, community involvement, and early access to educational resources. WLCCMS co-founders Eugene and Sandra Fisher shared their pride in the school’s growth and the impact Step Forward Day has on their students. "Today is the first day of the beginning of their lives, and hopefully they’ll have a bright future," Eugene Fisher noted.
Support the Watts Learning Center and contribute to the success of its students. You can help by donating school supplies through the WLCCMS Amazon registry, where items are sent directly to the school to support academic success throughout the year.