Strides Toward Encouraging Professions in Science (STEPS) is a collaborative effort between Metropolitan State College of Denver (MSCD) and three community colleges, Front Range Community College (FRCC), Community College of Denver (CCD), and Community College of Aurora (CCA). FRCC serves a five county region, has five campuses and participates in training employees of businesses in the area. CCD is located in downtown Denver and provides occupational training, general education and continuing education for its students. CCA is located just east of the city. It has a core program for students who will transfer as well as technical education and general education. MSCD is the largest four year baccalaureate degree granting college in the United States. Its main location is in the city with the University of Colorado at Denver (UCD) and CCD. Twenty-three percent of its students are ethnic minorities. The first phase of the STEPS program will finalize plans that are already in progress. The selection of the Advisory Committee will be completed, a project manager will be hired, the selection of STEPS mentors, advisors, tutors, and research projects will be completed, the curriculum will be developed in more detail and multicultural workshops will be held. The second phase will implement the STEPS program through recruitment of students at each of the community colleges. This phase will also work on retention by offering financial aide, scholarships, tutoring and a peer advisory program. All students will have faculty mentors and sometimes community mentors as well. An eight week Summer Seminar Series will help the transition from the community college to MSCD by familiarizing students with admissions procedures, helping with career planning, and introducing useful computer and laboratory skills. The third phase will track and evaluate students who participate in the STEPS program.
