Student Transition Empowerment Program
What is the Student Transition Empowerment Program?
The Student Transition & Empowerment Program (S.T.E.P.) of George Mason University is an ongoing Diversity Programs and Services initiative, established to enhance the recruitment, satisfaction and retention of an intentionally diverse array of undergraduate students. S.T.E.P. is a seamless four-year program for selected, first-year, George Mason University students to enhance their academic and interpersonal growth. Nominated recipients are all Virginia residents and are often first generation college students or socio-economically disadvantaged. Participants of this incentive-based program are given a jump-start to their scholastic endeavors through academic preparation, career exploration, cultural awareness opportunities, service learning projects, and empowerment services.
The overall objective of the STEP program is to give students curricular and co-curricular support prior to and during their tenure as Mason students. Student participants will gain an appreciation for service, leadership, diversity and academic excellence. The Student Transition and Empowerment Program will have a significant impact on the broader University community. Ultimately, STEP will produce students of promise and future leaders who will show evidence of persistence and empowerment as participants graduate with a Mason degree and give back to future students as they proudly support and claim Mason as their alma mater.