The Next Steps Program is a purposeful journey designed to build confident, capable, and future-ready young people. By moving through elements of our established Champions, Coaches, Gamechanger, Future Pathways, and Growing Great Teachers programs, students explore personal growth and social change while mastering the skills needed to make a lasting impact on society.
Central to this transformation are the core competencies of initiative, leadership, and self-management. As participants step into professional environments—whether on a primary school pitch or in a local classroom—we recognise a profound shift in identity.
Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone
The first step toward leadership is the willingness to take a risk. One participant captured this perfectly, noting:
“You’ve stepped out of your comfort zone, taken initiative, and grown in ways you may not fully realise yet.”
In our programs, initiative and enterprise are defined as the ability to step up and do things without being asked. Whether it is a student voluntarily signing up for the Teacher Cadet program to explore a career path or a young coach “taking charge” of a sports session, this willingness to embrace the unknown is where true growth begins.
Leadership with Purpose and Empathy
Leadership in the Next Steps framework isn’t just about giving orders; it is about connecting with others and leaving a positive legacy. This drive is evident in the reflection of a student focused on their long-term impact:
Our Next Steps program specifically empowers young people to become role models, teaching them to mediate conflict, motivate peers, and take responsibility for the safety of younger children. This hands-on experience leads to a measurable rise in self-advocacy and confidence, with 93% of teachers agreeing that the program has a positive impact on student attitudes and leadership.
"Leadership, and initiative. I would like to build upon working with difficult students... I want to leave them with positive habits."
The Art of Self-Management and Adaptation
Professionalism requires self-management—the ability to align one’s actions and emotions with professional standards. This often starts with recognising that there is always more to learn: “I think I could build on my initiative a little more. Take on a bit more responsibility.”
The curriculum encourages this lifelong learning mindset through continuous reflection and “backwards mapping” to align current actions with career goals. Students learn to be adaptable, as one participant demonstrated during a school event.
"I adjusted really well to each child’s needs and learning abilities when working with the students individually. I also worked well in taking leadership roles and communicating during the Easter hat parade to direct and encourage the students."
Are you ready for your students to take initiative and build their own pathway? Whether they are looking to become a coach, a teacher, or a community leader, Creating Chances is here to help them reach their full potential.
To learn more about our 20 week Next Steps program contact us
