Science Talent Expansion Program (STEP)

College of the Sciences
Ellensburg

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

Contact
Breanyn MacInnes, PhD
Discovery Hall, room 129, 509-963-2827
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.

First year STEP students participate in a three-quarter-long series of courses known as the STEP Science Seminar series (STEP 101, STEP 102, and STEP 103). Completion of these three courses satisfies the Academic Writing II General Education Program requirement. Students who successfully complete the STEP Science Seminar series will be eligible to participate in the STEP Bridging Program. The STEP Bridging Program provides the opportunity for students in their second year to participate in undergraduate research, serve as a Teaching Assistant in various STEM courses, or undertake an internship. Those students who have already had some college-level experience, especially those with an AA degree, should consider the STEP Transfer Program. Students in the STEP Transfer Program take STEP 301 in the fall. Upon completion of STEP 301, transfer students will be preapred to engage in a faculty mentored experience involving undergraduate research, an internship, service learning, or a teaching assistantship.

The Science Talent Expansion Program at CWU involves faculty members from several academic programs: Biological Sciences; Chemistry; Computer Science; Environmental Studies; Geography; Geological Science; Engineering Technologies, Safety, and Construction; Mathematics; and Physics. More information about the program and participating faculty members is available on the STEP website: www.cwu.edu/step.