Step Up Parents Partners with UNH Paul College for Student-Led Advocacy Initiative

Step Up Parents (SUP) has been selected as the featured client organization for the University of New Hampshire Paul College Business in Practice Program's Community Impact Entrepreneur course this fall semester.

According to Denyse Richter, SUP Founder, the collaboration brings new perspectives and innovative solutions to support kinship families across New Hampshire and Southern Maine. 

"This is an exciting opportunity to have fresh sets of eyes looking at our work with different ideas and energy," said Richter, who presented to the class and met with student breakout groups to answer questions about SUP’s mission and challenges. "These students bring experiential learning to real-world issues, and we're excited to see what creative approaches they develop."

Under the guidance of instructor Larry Spera, students will spend the semester developing comprehensive advocacy plans and strategic recommendations for SUP.

Part of Paul College's Business in Practice (BiP) program, the course is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application. Students begin by learning about their assigned nonprofit organization through classroom discussions and client presentations and spend the remainder of the semester developing customized advocacy strategies.

"Our goal is to gain a better understanding of how best to advocate for the families we serve, and these students are bringing valuable outside perspectives to that mission,”  noted Richter. 

The partnership will culminate in a presentation day where student teams will pitch their strategic plans and recommendations to SUP leadership. The course reflects UNH Paul College's commitment to experiential learning while providing nonprofit organizations with innovative solutions developed through academic research and fresh thinking.

SUP offers in-kind and financial assistance in NH and southern Maine to relatives who care for children whose parents struggle with substance use disorder. To learn more about SUP, its mission, or upcoming fundraiser, visit stepupparents.org.