Venture Academy was founded in 2011 by Jon Bacal and Verne Johnson, and joined in 2012 by Kerry Muse, who shared the belief that in the heart, mind, and soul of every young person if a genius waiting to be discovered, a passion and purpose waiting to be found. They aimed to implement a personalized learning model that closes the vast college- and career-readiness gap that confronts economically disadvantaged youth in the Twin Cities.
The Science, Technology and Engineering Preparatory Academy (STEP) is a K-12th grade charter school with two campuses located in St. Paul and Burnsville, Minnesota, that promotes early college education through ensuring that all students achieve academic excellence, obtain college credit while in middle and high school, are fully motivated and prepared to successfully matriculate in college, and graduate with the critical knowledge and skills required for employment in scientific, technical, and other skilled careers.