Experiential Education's Transformative Power with Dr. Tracy Baynes
Thu Dec 11 2025
In this episode, Dr. Tracy Baynes, founder and CEO of STEP (Student Expedition Program), shares her journey from oceanography to education, focusing on empowering low-income high school students in Arizona.
She discusses the challenges these students face, the importance of family support, and the transformative experiences provided by STEP.
Dr. Baynes emphasizes the significance of hard work, internal motivation, and creating generational change through education, while also inviting listeners to get involved with her nonprofit organization.
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Introduction to Dr. Tracy Baines and STEP
(02:37) Connecting Oceanography to Education
(05:51) The Launch of STEP and Its Mission
(10:00) Comprehensive Support for Students
(12:03) Challenges Faced by Students
(15:38) The Role of Family Support
(21:06) Overcoming Doubts and Building a Nonprofit
(23:26) The Importance of Education and Lifelong Learning
(28:25) Creating Generational Change Through Education
(29:13) Getting Involved with STEP
RESOURCES
Dr. Tracy Baynes
STEP Expedition and College Prep
Instagram
CONNECT WITH ANDREA
Andreadelacerda.com
Get Your Business Audit
InstagramLinkedIn
. . .
ABOUT ANDREA DE LA CERDA
Andrea De La Cerda is a highly accomplished communications professional with over 25 years of experience in the fields of advertising, communications, and marketing. Throughout her career, Andrea has held key positions in renowned advertising agencies, brand consultancies and in-house marketing departments before creating Kandula. She possesses a deep understanding of consumer behavior and market trends, allowing her to develop innovative communication strategies that resonate with diverse audiences. Andrea received both her B.A. in Advertising and Business Administration and a M.A. in Education from Pepperdine, as well as her Accreditation in Public Relations and is a member of PRSA.
. . .
WORK WITH US
Kandula works with nonprofits, entrepreneurs, educational institutions, and established brands dedicated to expanding their influence and amplifying their impact through purpose-driven communication strategies. Reach out to work with us! 👇🏼
Kandula Communications
. . .
Relate to Today's Topic:
Education Access, First-Generation Students, Youth Empowerment, College Readiness, Nonprofit Leadership, STEM Education Pathways, Breaking Generational Cycles, Student Success Stories, Community Support, Equity in Education, Arizona Education, Youth Mentorship, Experiential Learning, Career Exploration for Teens, Women in Leadership, Educational Opportunity Programs, Designing your dream life, Living with purpose, Passion-driven life, Romanticizing the everyday, Finding joy in the little things, Slow living podcast, Mindful lifestyle, Joyful living, Living intentionally, Creating your dream life, Daily habits for happiness, Self-love and fulfillment, Purpose-driven living, Self-discovery, Personal growth podcast, Self-care podcast, Mindset shifts, Wellness for women, Empowered living, Living authentically, Motivation for women, Confidence building, Mental wellness podcast, Self-help podcast, Personal development podcast, Wellness podcast, Lifestyle podcast, Motivation podcast, Women’s empowerment podcast, How to be happier, Simple living, Happiness hacks
More
In this episode, Dr. Tracy Baynes, founder and CEO of STEP (Student Expedition Program), shares her journey from oceanography to education, focusing on empowering low-income high school students in Arizona. She discusses the challenges these students face, the importance of family support, and the transformative experiences provided by STEP. Dr. Baynes emphasizes the significance of hard work, internal motivation, and creating generational change through education, while also inviting listeners to get involved with her nonprofit organization. CHAPTERS (00:00) Introduction to Dr. Tracy Baines and STEP (02:37) Connecting Oceanography to Education (05:51) The Launch of STEP and Its Mission (10:00) Comprehensive Support for Students (12:03) Challenges Faced by Students (15:38) The Role of Family Support (21:06) Overcoming Doubts and Building a Nonprofit (23:26) The Importance of Education and Lifelong Learning (28:25) Creating Generational Change Through Education (29:13) Getting Involved with STEP RESOURCES Dr. Tracy Baynes STEP Expedition and College Prep Instagram CONNECT WITH ANDREA Andreadelacerda.com Get Your Business Audit InstagramLinkedIn . . . ABOUT ANDREA DE LA CERDA Andrea De La Cerda is a highly accomplished communications professional with over 25 years of experience in the fields of advertising, communications, and marketing. Throughout her career, Andrea has held key positions in renowned advertising agencies, brand consultancies and in-house marketing departments before creating Kandula. She possesses a deep understanding of consumer behavior and market trends, allowing her to develop innovative communication strategies that resonate with diverse audiences. Andrea received both her B.A. in Advertising and Business Administration and a M.A. in Education from Pepperdine, as well as her Accreditation in Public Relations and is a member of PRSA. . . . WORK WITH US Kandula works with nonprofits, entrepreneurs, educational institutions, and established brands dedicated to expanding their influence and amplifying their impact through purpose-driven communication strategies. Reach out to work with us! 👇🏼 Kandula Communications . . . Relate to Today's Topic: Education Access, First-Generation Students, Youth Empowerment, College Readiness, Nonprofit Leadership, STEM Education Pathways, Breaking Generational Cycles, Student Success Stories, Community Support, Equity in Education, Arizona Education, Youth Mentorship, Experiential Learning, Career Exploration for Teens, Women in Leadership, Educational Opportunity Programs, Designing your dream life, Living with purpose, Passion-driven life, Romanticizing the everyday, Finding joy in the little things, Slow living podcast, Mindful lifestyle, Joyful living, Living intentionally, Creating your dream life, Daily habits for happiness, Self-love and fulfillment, Purpose-driven living, Self-discovery, Personal growth podcast, Self-care podcast, Mindset shifts, Wellness for women, Empowered living, Living authentically, Motivation for women, Confidence building, Mental wellness podcast, Self-help podcast, Personal development podcast, Wellness podcast, Lifestyle podcast, Motivation podcast, Women’s empowerment podcast, How to be happier, Simple living, Happiness hacks