Success after high school is not about choosing the “right” path—it’s about being ready for what comes next. At Cornerstone, we prepare students with real-world skills, strong character, and meaningful options so they can pursue college, skilled trades, or both with confidence and purpose.
That belief is what led to the creation of the STEP-ONE Program – Skilled Trades Experience, Pre-apprenticeship, Opportunity Network of Excellence. Designed as a post-graduation pathway for Cornerstone alumni, STEP-ONE provides students with hands-on experience, industry-recognized credentials, and professional skills that translate across careers. Whether graduates continue their education, enter the workforce, or combine both, STEP-ONE equips them with the foundation to thrive in today’s evolving economy.
At a time when skilled trades professionals are in high demand nationwide, STEP-ONE opens doors to careers that are not only essential, but increasingly stable, well-paying, and difficult to outsource. Many skilled trades offer strong starting wages, opportunities for advancement, and long-term earning potential – often without the burden of college debt.
A Mission-Driven Approach to Career Readiness
Built on Cornerstone’s mission, students in STEP-ONE develop practical skills while also strengthening character, discipline, teamwork, and purpose.
The program blends classroom instruction and hands-on experience, supported by community partners, industry professionals, and real job sites. Students spend mornings learning construction math, blueprint reading, safety protocols, and communication skills—then immediately apply that knowledge through supervised, paid hands-on work.
A Mission-Driven Approach to Career Readiness
Built on Cornerstone’s mission, students in STEP-ONE develop practical skills while also strengthening character, discipline, teamwork, and purpose.
The program blends classroom instruction and hands-on experience, supported by community partners, industry professionals, and real job sites. Students spend mornings learning construction math, blueprint reading, safety protocols, and communication skills—then immediately apply that knowledge through supervised, paid hands-on work.
Real Skills. Real Certifications. Real Experience.
Students in STEP-ONE earn industry-recognized certifications, including OSHA-10, CPR/AED and First Aid, hand and power tools training, mold remediation, scissor lift operation, and personal money management. These credentials give graduates an immediate advantage in the workforce while also building a foundation for future education and advancement.
Participants complete real construction projects – from demolition and framing to small builds – learning how to plan, problem-solve, and follow a project from blueprint to completion. Students are outfitted with proper safety gear and workwear through generous donor support, reinforcing professionalism and job-site readiness from day one.
Equally important, STEP-ONE prepares students for life beyond the job site. Resume writing, interview practice, financial literacy workshops, and industry leader visits help students understand career pathways, earning potential, and long-term growth—whether they choose to continue training, enter the workforce immediately, or pursue college later.
Measurable Impact and Growing Opportunity
Since its launch, STEP-ONE has graduated 112 students, with the majority gaining employment in the skilled trades or continuing into advanced training programs such as the Southeast Michigan Construction Academy. Others have pursued college, launched businesses, or entered related fields.
“The skills I learned have helped me succeed,” said Derrick Peterson, a graduate of the program who went on to become a certified plumber. “Building a garage gave me a hands-on understanding of residential structures, which helped me know where and how to install plumbing.”
But it was more than the construction skills. “The communication training, team building, and character development gave me confidence during my interview and when speaking with customers,” he added
Multiple Pathways. One Measure of Success.
At Cornerstone, we believe students deserve more than one definition of success. STEP-ONE affirms the value of skilled trades while equipping students with transferable skills that benefit them for a lifetime. Whether graduates pursue college, trades, or both, they leave prepared to contribute, lead, and thrive.