The Next STEP: Integrating Science Techonology Engineering, and Mathematics Learning Communities is a program funded by a generous five-year grant from the National Science Foundation. The goal of the program is to increase the number of students who graduate from Truman State University with a degree in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). There are three primary aspects of the program: the Bridge Program, the Undergraduate Research Program, and the Curriculum Enrichment Program.
The Bridge Program is for Community College transfer students from select partner institutions. The primary goals of the Bridge Program are to ensure the success of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics students who transfer to Truman from the community college partners and to solidify new institutional partnerships among Truman State University and Metropolitan, Moberly, and St. Charles Community Colleges in STEM areas. Five programmatic initiatives support these goals: Forgivable Loans, Bridge Week, Academic Year Mentoring Network, Visiting Speakers and Field Trips, and Undergraduate Research Program. The priority application deadline for scholarship assistance is April 15th.
Apply now for the Bridge Program
Undergraduate Research Program
The centerpiece of the Undergraduate Research Program is the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience for Community College students and faculty and Truman State University students. It includes a structured, ten-week, research-intensive experience. Students live on the Truman State University campus and receive university credit hours for their scholarly work with faculty mentors on research projects. Workshops, lab experiences, field trips, mentoring, networking and social activities are included both during the summer and the academic year. The application deadline for Summer Undergraduate Research Experience is February 1st.
Apply now for the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience
The Curriculum Enrichment Program is for Community College and Truman State University faculty. A series of reciprocal field trips between Truman faculty and students and our community college partners are held throughout the academic year to support curricular and scholarly interactions. Emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary interactions and the integration of research and learning communities. In addition, an annual retreat is convened that has a topical focus and is designed to foster meaningful interaction.