At Temple University’s College of Engineering, the Sustainable Temple Energy and Power Scholars (STEPS) program stands as a beacon of support and opportunity for talented students, regardless of walk of life. Focused on high-achieving, low-income students, the program’s mission is to provide not only scholarships but also mentorship and personalized guidance to foster both academic and personal growth. The STEPS program is committed to helping these students thrive, shaping future engineers who are well-prepared for academic success and leadership roles.
The program’s holistic approach combines academic support with life skills development, ensuring that students are equipped not just for their engineering courses, but for life beyond the classroom. By addressing the unique challenges that low-income students may face, like financial strain, limited access to resources, work-life balance, social isolation, possible lack of familial support, academic preparedness, and more, the STEPS program positions them for long-term success, both academically and personally.
This initiative offers a multifaceted approach to student development. Students in the program receive individual mentorship from peers, faculty, and professionals, allowing them to gain guidance and insights from individuals who have navigated the same path. This mentorship ensures that scholars are not only receiving academic support but are also learning important life skills that will benefit them throughout their careers.
The Impact on Students in the STEPS Program
One of the cornerstones of the STEPS program is the tailored first-year seminar course that is specifically designed to help students transition into college life, preparing them for the rigor of engineering coursework while also providing opportunities for personal growth. This class adds value to student academic success by helping them with things like study habits, work-life balance, and college life in general. Often times, students come from high school not ever handling their own schedule, let alone managing workload on their own, so this is something that keeps them on track and sets them up for success from the very beginning. Students in the STEPS program are already excelling academically, with many achieving higher GPAs. They are stepping into leadership roles within organizations such as the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Temple University chapter. Through their work with IEEE, students gain hands-on leadership experience and connect with professionals in the field of electrical engineering. These roles not only strengthen their technical skills but also cultivate interpersonal skills that are critical in any career.
The STEPS program places a strong emphasis on service-learning, encouraging students to engage with their local community. One of the most impactful ways this is done is through outreach initiatives with local high schools like Northeast High and Carver High School. STEP scholars actively participate in teaching, mentoring, and sharing their experiences with high school students who may not have access to the same resources. For example, STEP scholars helped Northeast High students program a remote monitoring system for a bat habitat that the students built to make sure it was a hospitable environment for the bats. This engagement not only benefits high school students but also reinforces the leadership and teaching skills of the STEP scholars. In addition to the strong relationship with these two schools, the STEPS program also has provided engineering demonstrations for over 200 high school students visiting Temple’s campus.
The impact that the STEPS ambassadors will have on these high school students is long lasting and can influence their interest and decision making when deciding on a future STEM career later in life. The program creates an invaluable sense of community among its participants. By providing opportunities for shared experiences, students are able to collaborate with one another in a supportive environment.
Becoming a STEP scholar also offers students the opportunity for international exposure. The chance to study abroad in Spain, for example, broadens their global perspective and exposes them to different academic environments and cultures. This international experience is invaluable, allowing students to think critically about global issues and the role engineers play in solving complex problems on an international scale.
The STEPS program exemplifies the power of capacity building, holistic engagement, and the commitment to empowering the next generation of engineers. Through scholarships, mentorship, service-learning, and leadership opportunities, the program not only helps students succeed academically but also nurtures personal development and a strong sense of community and belonging.
Building a Stronger STEM Community
For institutions looking to replicate some of the success of the STEPS program, one key recommendation would be to focus on creating opportunities for the scholars to connect with local high school students through the lens of their discipline. We have seen our scholars thrive in this environment and grow in both their technical and non-technical abilities. By fostering leadership opportunities and encouraging students to give back to their community, institutions can create a self-sustaining cycle of success that benefits both individual scholars and the broader academic community.
The STEPS program continues to empower students at Temple University’s College of Engineering, and its impact is far-reaching, contributing to a stronger STEM community. The program not only supports students in their pursuit of an engineering degree but also prepares them to become leaders who will shape the future of STEM fields. This initiative empowers students to make meaningful contributions to society that would not have had the same opportunities without this program.
