Program Summary

Building STEPS (Science, Technology, Education PartnershipS) exposes bright, underserved students to science and technology-based careers, and helps them excel in these fields where minorities are overwhelmingly underrepresented.

Working with high schools in both Baltimore City (Digital Harbor, Dunbar, and Forest Park) and Baltimore County (Woodlawn, Milford Mill, and Randallstown), Building STEPS accepts annually up to forty students who are achieving a minimum 3.0 grade point average, exhibit consistent school attendance, and participate in extracurricular activities. The competitive admission process includes letters of recommendation, a written essay, and transcripts.

Students begin the two-year academic and professional development program in their junior year, gaining exposure to a variety of science and technology-based professions through participation in nine monthly seminars. Each seminar includes site visits with guest lecturers, offering exposure to science and technology-based careers and education about life skills necessary to succeed in these demanding professional careers.

Building on the exposure gained from the seminars,
Building STEPS students commit to paid summer internships with companies and institutions that rely on science and technology. This work experience is structured to enhance each student's personal and professional development.

Throughout the students' senior year, Building STEPS conducts a series of college admission workshops. Building STEPS works with each student to target their academic and extracurricular strengths, select the colleges to which they will apply, draft essays, complete application packages, and research scholarship opportunities. This is the critical crossroads where their practical knowledge of alternative career choices for science and technology defines their educational pursuits.