What is Steps for Students?

Steps for Students is an annual event benefiting the 59 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston- Houston. This exciting day of family fun includes a sunrise Mass, 5K USA Track and Field Association sanctioned race, Catholic School Village and post-race party. The goal of Steps for Students is to unite the greater Houston community to raise awareness of the benefit of a Catholic education and provide much needed resources for our Catholic schools. Over 12,000 people come together each year to raise in excess of $1 million to meet these needs.

When is Steps for Students?

The race is on February 16th, 2019. Mass will be held in the Co-Cathedral at 6:30 am. All runners should begin lining up according to pace group immediately following Mass. The race will start promptly at 8:00 am.

What does Steps for Students support?

Registrants have the opportunity to join a school team and solicit donations on the school’s behalf. Any undesignated registration fees or pledges support the Archdiocesan Tuition Assistance Program. The Archdiocesan Tuition Assistance Program is a commitment that the Archdiocese makes to keep Catholic schools accessible, available and affordable to all families. This commitment is the hallmark of our faith and service in regards to the educational mission of the Church. With 59 schools, serving over 19,000 students, the network of Catholic Schools is the largest private school system in the state of Texas.

How have schools used their Steps for Students funds?

The funds raised through Steps for Students may be designated to address the priorities of each school as determined by the principal. Some schools use their funds to provide tuition assistance to families in need while others choose to improve their technology and facilities. In addition, some schools realize they have been blessed and decide to share their blessings by adopting a school in need to be the beneficiary of their funds. If you are unsure of how your school plans to use the money raised through Steps for Students, contact the school office.

Where does Steps for Students take place?

The event is held in downtown Houston beginning adjacent to the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. The address is 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy, Houston, Texas 77002.

Where should I park?

You should be prepared to pay for parking downtown -- there is limited free parking available. Most parking lots near the Co-Cathedral are under $7. Plan to arrive prior to 7:00 am when street closures for the course go into effect or you will be forced to park far from the start line.

My schedule has changed and I cannot attend Steps for Students. Can I get a refund or transfer my registration to another runner?

If you are unable to attend the race, thank you for your donation. Refunds will not be issued. If you would like to transfer your registration to another runner, please contact GiveGab using the chat feature on the site or email at customersuccess@givegab.com.

What happens if it rains on race day?

Steps for Students is an all-weather race and unless there is an imminent safety concern, we will run. If the weather is severe, we urge you to check our Facebook page and the Steps for Students website as these are the communication methods we will use to announce a delayed start or cancellation the morning of the race.

Can I bring my pet to the race?

NO. Please note that all pets and the people who bring them will be asked to leave.

Are strollers allowed?

Of course! This is a family race and we welcome people of all ages. Participants with strollers will line up at the back behind walkers to ensure that everyone is safe.

What is GiveGab?

GiveGab is a nonprofit giving platform that helps nonprofits to raise money, engage donors and manage volunteers quickly and efficiently. GiveGab offers a full portfolio of simple and easy to use products that allows organizations to function in a more streamlined manner.

Do I need to create an account with GiveGab?

No. You do not need to create an account to make a donation. The benefits of creating an account include having your tax receipts collected in one location, being able to track your donations, follow the charities you support, and engage in future volunteering and donations. Your tax receipt is emailed immediately upon processing your donation. To claim a donation as a deduction on U.S. taxes, you should retain the donation receipt as an official record.

Can I make donations or register via a mobile device?

Yes! Simply visit www.steps4students.org on your mobile device.

Thank you to all partipants in 2018 Steps for Students.  We had an amazing time and look forward to Steps for Students 2019!