National Science Foundation STEP program
- Funded at $1.55M/4 years; $1.99M/5years
- Recruit 10 students/institution/year
- Encourage transfer of students from CCs to UConn after associate’s degree
- 130 students in program when fully populated
- Life sciences disciplines
STRONG-CT majors at UConn
- Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Agronomy
- Animal Science
- Biological Sciences
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- Environmental Science
- Horticulture
- Molecular and Cell Biology
- Natural Resources
- Nutritional Sciences
- Pathobiology
- Physiology and Neurobiology
- Structural Biology and Biophysics
STRONG-CT students will
- Enhance achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics courses;
- Engage in mentoring relationships;
- Participate in a community of scholars studying a similar program of study;
- Participate in supervised research projects and initiatives;
- Develop a research agenda and understanding of what it takes to become a scientist;
- Prepare for leadership roles both during and after their time as STRONG-CT students;
- Participate in community outreach projects to improve the preparation, representation, and success of other historically underrepresented students in middle and high school;
- Become familiar with future career options.
STRONG-CT program phases
| Phase |
Description |
Entry Requirements |
Activities |
| Pre |
Preparatory |
HS diploma or equivalent |
Preparatory coursework to improve language and quantitative skills. |
| 1 |
Foundation |
Eligible for college level English and math |
Basic science and general education courses. Enrichment course, quantitative and study skills. |
| 2 |
Transition |
12 credits of math and science courses |
Basic science and general education courses. Enrichment course, research skills; preparing for the transition. |
| 3 |
Specialization |
Associates degree or equivalent coursework |
Major-specific coursework. Enrichment course, research experience; the UConn environment. |
| 4 |
Capstone |
Senior status at UConn |
Major-specific coursework. Enrichment course, STRONG-CT portfolio; preparing for graduation. |
About the Program Directors and Coordinators |
