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Q&A With Janelle Hocker

(interview me)
Janelle Hocker
Executive Director, Self Employed
Location: Covington, KY United States
Joined: Apr 21st, 2005
About   (request update)
Janelle Hocker is the Founder and Executive Director of the Step Higher Program. Janelle believes in taking the impossible and making it possible. Through the Step Higher Program, Janelle became known as the “Vision Builder” for African American students, who have a dream to go to college but did not have a clear vision of how to make the dream happen.

As a graduate of Wilberforce University, Janelle knew that Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) could provide the rich historical and cultural enlightenment that African American students needed. Janelle knew the importance of mentorship from the teachers and the value of the life-long connections with fellow students.
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Janelle has incorporated these two aspects into the Step Higher vision from her own life experiences. First, African American students need exposure to their history and their culture to create positive personal development. Second, African American students need motivation and encouragement through community mentorship and guidance.


In 1999, Janelle began taking students on tours to HBCU schools. Under her leadership, Step Higher has become one of the most respected and effective college preparatory programs. All of Step Higher participants have graduated from high school. More than 75% of Step higher participants have attended and graduated from college. Some participants have graduate degrees. After graduation, all participants have successful careers in the workforce. Out of the 25% that have chosen not to attend a four-year college institution, many have received training from a technical school to better their job opportunities. An even more amazing fact is that the vast majority of Step Higher participants come from a student population that has been designated as “at risk”.

Janelle is beloved by her participants and their families. She has received various awards and accolades from her community such as the Martin Luther King Vision and Unity Award from the Northern Kentucky Chapter of the NAACP, recognition from the Kentucky Governor’s Commission on Women, and appointment as a Kentucky Colonel from former Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher.

Janelle is a member of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Leadership Council.
My Interview Question
What's your idea on this new stimulus plan?
Current Whereabouts:
Opening a Home for Girls ages 12-17
Life & Professional Aspirations:
Have a talk show
Website:
http://mystephigher.org
Education   (request update)
Wilberforce University class of 2004
Undergrad Major: Business Administration
Claim To Fame:
Started a Masters Degree Program, Opening a Group Home for girls in Cincinnati, Ohio 2014
Most Memorable Moment:
Having Support from other students!
High School: Holmes High School in Covington, KY class of 1983
 
Experience
I currently work with Self Employed as Executive Director
I have 20 years of experience working in the Teaching / K-12 Education industry.
Activity
Upcoming 2008 College Tour- Upcoming 2008 College Tour-
The Official HBCU College Tour 2008! Cost $495.00 per student Tour A March 30th-April 4th 2008 8th-12th Graders Only Fisk University Tennessee State University Alabama A&M University Alabama ...more
Posted by Janelle Hocker on December 10th, 2007 • 2,697 Views
Step Higher Programs Step Higher Programs
STEP HIGHER 7th ANNUAL BLACK COLLEGE TOUR Leaves out of Covington, Kentucky Cost: $395 Tour A April 1-7, 2007 Morehouse University Spelman College Tennessee State University Fi ...more
Posted by Janelle Hocker on February 2nd, 2007 • 1,234 Views
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Guestbook Comments
It's my pleasure to have you join, us as a new or seasoned member. May you have an amazing, blessed and marvelous day
Tagged by Ralph White on 10/02/2023  
God bless you and may you have a marvelous and productive day. When you get a chance please visit my profile to check out some info that might appeal to you.
Tagged by Ralph White on 06/07/2014  
Hi Janelle - I am also a WU grad. I graduated in 1987 with a Dual Degree in Electrical Engineering, and live in Cincinnati with my family. I would like to connect directly -just contact me at pauladlampley@fuse.net. Have a great Labor Day!
Tagged by Paula Lampley on 09/04/2009  
Ms. Janelle, Great job influencing our young people, you should be commended for all you do, Thanks, Kaye in TX
Tagged by Kaye Vann-Anderson on 07/11/2007  
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