Pasos for Oak Cliff, a non-profit, is set up by Jesse Acosta, a high school teacher, and Alejandra Zendejas, a math tutor. We both consider ourselves sneakerheads.
As sneakerhead educators and members of the community, we are fully aware that parents and guardians struggle to supply some basic necessities for their children - this is especially true when it comes to shoes.
As a result, we decided to turn our LOVE for sneakers into a proactive start up - Pasos for Oak Cliff. The goal of Pasos for Oak Cliff is to give students new shoes. The lack of good quality shoes leads to discomfort, ridicule, bullying, and isolation. We can prevent that from happening, but we cannot do it alone, we need YOUR SUPPORT.
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The Pasos All Stars STEAM Program
The Pasos All Stars STEAM program is an intervention program for 9th - 12th grade students. We help students close gaps in literacy and math. Our curriculum combines core education with the arts in sneaker design and filmmaking to not only close educational gaps, but to also equip them with workforce readiness skills.
COVERING THE BASICS
No matter the season—summer, fall, or spring—our mission is to ensure every student stays on track with reading, writing, and math. Falling behind in these key areas can significantly increase a student's risk of dropping out. That's why we provide targeted, individualized support to help students not only meet grade-level expectations but exceed them, preparing them for long-term success.
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During the fall and spring, we expand our focus to assist students in any other subjects where they face challenges, ensuring they have the resources and guidance to thrive academically year-round.
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SNEAKER DESIGN
To inspire our rising 9th graders, we open the door to an exciting STEAM career pathway: sneaker design. Students strengthen literacy and math skills while mastering Adobe Photoshop, sketching, problem-solving, visual storytelling, and the art of shoe design.
In this program, they are encouraged to look beyond style, exploring how footwear can address social or physical challenges. Each design becomes a canvas for students to weave in their personal stories, creativity, and innovative thinking.
By blending digital arts, design, and real-world problem-solving, we equip students with the skills and confidence to walk boldly into their future.
FILMMAKING
Returning students, usually 10th graders, embark on a new STEAM career path: filmmaking. In this program, they are challenged to create narrative or documentary-style films that shed light on important issues or individuals within their own community. Along the way, they also dive into the science behind cameras, gaining a deeper understanding of the technology they use.
Students master Adobe Premiere, learning how to direct, tell compelling stories, view the world from different perspectives, and operate a camera with confidence. Through filmmaking, we equip our students with the critical thinking, leadership, and technical skills they need to make an impact and inspire change.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
For many 11th graders, the next creative pathway is graphic design—a discipline that merges art, technology, and communication. Students learn how to use Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to design logos, branding materials, and digital graphics that tell powerful stories.
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This program challenges them to think strategically about design as a tool for problem-solving and community impact. Whether creating campaigns, designing merchandise, or reimagining visuals for social issues, students sharpen their ability to blend creativity with purpose.
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By mastering design thinking and technical skills, our students emerge ready to communicate ideas visually, build professional portfolios, and step into the growing world of creative industries.