**DUBUQUE, Iowa — The Multicultural Family Center (MFC) has officially announced the temporary halt of its Summer Teen Empowerment Program (STEP) for the year 2025. This decision follows the significant loss of AmeriCorps funding in Dubuque, as conveyed by the MFC Board of Directors.**
**For over a decade, STEP has served as a vital resource for the community, equipping teenagers with an enriching six-week summer experience centered around outdoor activities, personal development, and practical skills such as gardening, financial literacy, and college preparation. Launched by former Loras College professor Dana Livingston, STEP collaborated with the Dubuque Community School District to offer high school credit while also providing daily meals, stipends, and a nurturing, safe atmosphere, aimed at mitigating summer learning losses and addressing food insecurity.**
**The program’s achievements were largely dependent on the dedication of AmeriCorps mentors, who played a pivotal role in building supportive relationships, offering academic assistance, and fostering a sense of community among participants. Unfortunately, the recent cuts to AmeriCorps funding in Dubuque have necessitated this pause in STEP, a move the Board has described as a profoundly challenging decision.**
**The MFC remains resolute in its intent to bring STEP back in subsequent summers and is diligently seeking alternative funding sources. The organization expressed optimism that restored AmeriCorps support will eventually allow the program to come back stronger, continuing its mission to empower youth through inclusive programming.**
**For further inquiries or to support the MFC, please reach out at (563) 582-3681 or visit our office located at 1157 Central Ave, Dubuque, IA 52001.**
