Mother - Daughter Program

The Keeping Education Your Stepping Stone (KEYSS) Mother-Daughter Program is a drop-out prevention program co-sponsored by the Plano Independent School District and the Junior League of Plano. Students selected to participate in the program receive support and academic services to remain motivated in school with a goal of being the first in their families to graduate from high school and achieve higher education.

Statistically, Hispanic students in Texas are overrepresented in the dropout rate and underrepresented in higher education. Therefore, KEYSS identifies students from this population to benefit from this program. KEYSS engages Hispanic female students, beginning at the sixth grade level, and their mothers in various events, including Saturday conferences covering such topics as preparation for college, financial aid, scholarships, career exploration, and personal development. The involvement of the students’ mothers provides valuable reinforcement at home of the learned skills and brings the added benefit of enhancing meaningful communication and stronger bonds between mothers and their daughters.

In addition to Saturday conferences, students participate in campus meetings where they learn about time management, study skills, communication, team building, responsibility, career, exploration, and the importance of higher education. A faculty/staff sponsor at each campus plays a key role in leading these efforts.

KEYSS participants also complete a community service project each year. Individually, they and their mothers also provide volunteer services throughout the year.

For more detail, please review our Program Background link.