Community Stepping Stones Inc

The mission of Community Stepping Stones is to inspire, educate, mentor and prepare at-potential youth to become successful adults through an arts and science-integrated educational approach.  From a tranquil 5-acre campus along the Hillsborough River, our innovative organization fans the flames of creativity by offering opportunities for young adults to develop lifelong positive habits of mind.

Based in the Sulphur Springs area of Tampa, FL, CSS serves predominantly economically challenged neighborhoods throughout Hillsborough County and all programs are free to qualified students.  CSS represents an important link in the continuum of community building efforts aimed at returning prosperity to Sulphur Springs. Working hand-in-hand with other neighborhood programs that offer resources for pre-school, elementary, middle school and families – CSS focuses on the needs of children and adolescents as they make the transition from childhood to adult responsibilities.

CSS offers an integrated arts curriculum designed to help children, teens and young adults find the right canvas for their lives. We offer outreach programming for 6 to 12-year-olds, onsite and after school programs for teens, and job training apprenticeships for young adults through our social enterprise initiatives.

Art-integrated learning develops critical thinking, curiosity and develops positive behavior that can undo destructive habits of mind. Our programs mesh all artistic options including graphic novel skills with STEM skills and our students experience the joy of seeing their work on display at galleries throughout the Tampa Bay area.

The Sulphur Springs neighborhood offers youth few opportunities for meaningful participation in structured programs designed to spark their interest in art, identify and celebrate their potential that often goes unnoticed and untapped, and find positive ways to channel their creativity.  CSS provides a safe and welcoming environment where participants can feel a sense of community with their peers in a positive setting, while working with a group of caring adults, including artists, who mentor them throughout all program activities.