History
In 1968 Stevens Institute of Technology created the Stevens Technical Enrichment Program (STEP) to expand access to engineering and science, and thus help increase the pool of students pursuing careers in these fields. STEP was one of the first programs of its kind in the country; it was Stevens’ response to a national problem and reflected the university’s reputation for innovation.
Jess Davis, Stevens’ 4th President sought private funds to implement a program which would address the continued low number of students in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). He enlisted the help of a group of concerned undergraduates and faculty members who responded by implementing STEP - a Saturday enrichment program and tutoring services for high school students from New York City, Hoboken, Jersey City and surrounding areas. The program contributed to helping these students acquire the skills and knowledge to be eligible for acceptance into competitive universities and technical majors. It also offered a path by which talented local high school students could be admitted to Stevens.
At its inception STEP was a pre-college program for high school students, but its history also has included additional components fully or partially funded by the Federal Government (TRIO Upward Bound Program), New Jersey government (Educational Opportunity Fund - EOF) and private donors, foundations, and corporations (Middle School Program, Accelerated Mathematics Program for high school juniors, and the Bridge and College Programs). Each component contributed to building a “continuous pipeline of support” for students.
Today the Bridge, College and EOF Programs continue STEP’s mission. STEP is an important piece of Stevens past, present and future.
The Stevens Technical Enrichment Program (STEP) offers a wide range of services and programs to support students’ success, and encourage their academic, professional, cultural and personal development. The support begins with the summer Bridge program, and continues during the academic year.
The services are free of charge, and students have access during their undergraduate career and beyond. STEP students receive personal assistance from the program’s professional staff, and also benefit from peer support, alumni relationships, and occasional corporate assistance. The content and scope of the programs and services respond to the students’ changing interests and requests, but reflect their individual and collective needs. Among the programs and services are:
Academic Support – Peer Tutoring
Students helping students: designed to complement classroom attendance, and present the material in a way to improve the student’s understanding; place students in a non-threatening environment and encourage them to express and test themselves verbally as part of a well-balanced question/ information exchange in which both partners participate; help students develop trust in themselves as learners. The tutoring program runs from the third week of each semester through the last week of semester classes. Any STEP and EOF student may apply for a (free) tutor.
Counseling and Advising
The counseling component offers both individual and group counseling or advising. Students are guided in the creation of SMART goals which are then used to help frame their undergraduate career and related choices. They are given access to assistance to deal with a wide range of concerns from difficulty adjusting to college during freshman year, to the job search and selection process in the senior year, and anything in between. Additionally students receive encouragement to try new experiences and go outside their comfort zone.
Personal Development
A series of opportunities which help students develop or increase their non-academic and transferrable skills, including leadership, presentation, and communication. Workshops presented by professionals and company representatives, a leadership development program, and community service experiences are offered throughout the year.
