Step Forward celebrates fatherhood during 2025 Father's Walk

On September 18, 2025, Step Forward's nine Head Start centers joined with schools and organizations across the country to celebrate the annual Father’s Walk - a nationwide initiative encouraging fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, uncles, brothers, and other male role models to walk their children to school.

In Cuyahoga County, the event is taken very seriously, and it showed. The agency was proud to welcome hundreds of fathers and father figures across our centers, all showing up to make a powerful statement: fathers and father-figures matter.

Why Father Engagement Matters

The Father’s Walk isn’t just symbolic; it’s backed by research. Studies consistently show that children with engaged fathers are:

• More likely to have higher reading and math scores, and less likely to be held back a grade. (Boston University – OpenBU Repository)

• Better prepared for school, with stronger verbal and math skills and fewer behavioral problems. (University of Wisconsin – Institute for Research on Poverty)

• Less likely to face suspension, expulsion, or grade repetition in middle and high school when fathers are involved—even if they live outside the home. (National Center for Education Statistics, 1998 – NCES Report)

  
  

The benefits don’t stop there. Father involvement is also linked to improved self-esteem, healthier relationships, and stronger social-emotional development. When dads engage, children thrive.

How the Father's Walk Has Become a Community Celebration

Each of our nine Head Start centers hosted celebrations to honor fatherhood. Families enjoyed breakfast, snacks, and refreshments, and many centers offered activities that gave dads and kids time to connect through games, crafts, and conversations.

The atmosphere was joyful, full of smiles and pride. Fathers spoke about how meaningful it was to be recognized for the role they play in their children’s lives, while teachers and staff expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect directly with families.

How Head Start Promotes Fatherhood Engagement

At Step Forward, we believe that supporting children means supporting the entire family. Our Head Start and Early Head Start programs are built on the idea that parents and caregivers are a child’s first and most important teachers. That includes fathers, who play a vital role in their children’s growth and development.

Our staff actively encourages fatherhood engagement through:

• Special events and activities that create space for dads and father figures to connect with their children at school.

• Parent workshops and trainings that highlight the unique strengths fathers bring to their children’s education and well-being.

• Family support services that address the needs of the whole household, whether it’s job readiness, health resources, or educational opportunities.

  
  

By lifting up fathers alongside mothers and caregivers, Head Start strengthens the entire family unit and, ultimately, helps children thrive.

Looking Ahead

The Father’s Walk is more than a single event. It is a reminder of the ongoing importance of fatherhood engagement. We are committed to strengthening these connections every day, not only on special occasions.

To all the fathers and father figures who walked with us: thank you for showing up, standing tall, and reminding us of the power of presence.