The program takes place during the university’s Summer Session Two and allows first-generation, low-income students to adjust to campus life at no additional cost
By JORDAN POLTORAK — campus@theaggie.org
The UC Davis Special Transitional Enrichment Program (STEP) began on Aug. 3 and aligns with the university’s Summer Session Two schedule. It allows first-generation, low-income students to adjust to campus life at no additional cost and is a part of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP).
The program begins with the summer bridge and extends for two years. The bridge portion includes attending one first-year seminar and one additional course, office hours, tutoring and STEP extracurricular activities, according to their website.
River Tuason, a third-year design major and a peer coordinator for STEP, explained the importance and goals of the program.
“It’s really vital for our students,” Tuason said. “We have 179 incoming freshmen. Each freshman has a peer mentor that has been in their shoes before. We’re here to guide them emotionally and academically.”
Some of the academic benefits listed on the program’s website include adjustment to the pace of the quarter system and academic rigor of UC Davis as well as priority registration for the participating students’ first year of undergraduate study.
Tuason shared how the program impacted their experience at UC Davis.
“It was life-changing for me,” Tuason said. “Knowing that there are other first-generation, low-income college students and you’re all in the same boat. Having 20 peer advising counselors having our backs was really supportive.”
The freshman foundations, or first-year portion, includes participation in a First-Year Aggie Connection, meetings with a Peer Advising Counselor (PAC) and attendance at STEP and EOP events.
Lastly, the second-year success portion includes meetings with EOP staff, referrals to campus services and attending STEP events.
STEP is invite-only, so eligible students will receive the invitation in their admissions portal. The EOP center also has resources such as a lending library, career advising and testing supplies such as blue books and scantrons.
Tuason expanded on the benefits of the program.
“We have so many events to make our first-generation students feel welcome,” Tuason said. “We tell all our students that you’re paying to be here and to use your resources. Reach out to EOP, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.”
Written by: Jordan Poltorak — campus@theaggie.org
