Science Talent Expansion Program (STEP)

College of the Sciences
Ellensburg

Dean Hall 130
509-963-3002
Mail Stop 7519
www.cwu.edu/step

Contact
Toni Snowden
STEP Coordinator
STEP@cwu.edu

The Science Talent Expansion Program (STEP) is an innovative program designed to prepare and retain students in majors and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. STEP consists of an integrated sequence of classes, enrichment activities, and student research opportunities through which students gain hands-on experience in modern scientific research methods, explore theme-based interdisciplinary scientific issues, and develop mentoring relationships with CWU STEM faculty.

Application to STEP is open to new freshman and transfer students with an interest in and aptitude for STEM fields.

STEP freshman participate in a three-quarter-long series of courses known as the STEP Freshman Science Seminar (STEP 101, STEP 102, and STEP 103). Completion of these three courses satisfies one of the Natural Sciences General Education Program requirements. Students who successfully complete the STEP Freshman Science Seminar series will be eligible to apply for and participate in the STEP Sophomore Bridging Program. The STEP Sophomore Bridging Program provides the opportunity for students in their sophomore year to participate in undergraduate research or serve as a Teaching Assistant in various STEM courses. Those students who have already had some college-level experience are invited to apply directly to the STEP Transfer Bridging Program and will take two STEP courses, STEP 301 in the fall and STEP 302 in the winter. Upon completion of these courses, transfer students will have the opportunity to apply for positions in the STEP Transfer Bridging Program.

The Science Talent Expansion Program at CWU involves faculty members from several academic departments: Anthropology; Biological Sciences; Chemistry; Computer Science; Geography; Geological Science; Engineering Technologies, Safety, and Construction Management; Mathematics; and Physics. More information about the program and participating faculty members is available on the STEP website.