Stephen James is a promising college student and proud Plumley Village resident. Raised by his grandmother, Stephen joined Plumley's Teen Program in 2008, shy and a little uncertain.

As his confidence grew through the workshops he participated in, so did his ambitions. Through Plumley's youth programs, Stephen was able to find summer employment for three consecutive years, earning money that helped him to buy a car, school supplies, and to save for his college education.
After being referred to an SAT prep program by Plumley staff, Stephen's SAT scores climbed, and the staff continued to support Stephen throughout his high school career, assisting him with scholarship applications and connecting him with the GEAR UP program at his school. In the spring of 2009, Stephen graduated from North High School and was accepted to Penn State University.
Now a freshman at Penn State, Stephen is studying criminal justice, enjoying his time at school, and inspiring his family and community with hishard work and enthusiasm.