The Office of Multicultural Affairs’ Rising 360°, STEP is an undergraduate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) program that is committed to increasing success amongst STEM students. STEP supports, empowers, and enhances the skills of STEM students working towards the completion of their undergraduate degree through a cohort-based model, mentorship, holistic framework, and connections with resources.

This program is open to all currently enrolled undergraduate students. 

Join Rising 360, STEP

Incoming Students

  • Incoming students can connect with Rising 360, STEP through their admissions portal by accessing Learning, Excellence, and Achievement Pathways (LEAP) and selecting Rising 360
  • After connecting with us through LEAP, our team will reach out to you with next steps and how you can select a cohort to join
  • Through the sign-up form that will be shared by our team, you can select the STEM Training and Excellence Program (STEP) as a cohort
  • After signing up for the STEP cohort, our team will connect you with our upcoming onboarding schedule or waitlist to sign up for a slot

Returning or Current Students

  • Returning or current students can join Rising 360, STEP by completing the sign-up form linked below and selecting the STEM Training and Excellence Program (STEP) as a cohort
  • After signing up for the STEP cohort, our team will connect you with our upcoming onboarding schedule or waitlist to sign up for a slot

Sign up for STEP

For more information, please email Alisa_Michel@uml.edu.

STEP students are required to complete "STEPs to Success" and a selected track curriculum each semester.

STEPs to Success are the campus-wide engagement actions required of each STEP cohort member. They are established to create a pathway toward academic success and support.

Through the selection of one of our STEP Tracks, students will gain experience and attend workshops that expand their knowledge and offer skill development in the selected area.

STEPs to Success

  • Academic Support
  • Group Study
  • 1:1 Success Coaching

STEP Track Options

  • Academic Excellence
    • Skill-building workshops
    • Connection to academic resources
  • Professional Development
    • Skill-building workshops
    • Networking opportunities
    • Connection to career readiness support
  • Research
    • Support in developing a research plan
    • Skill-building workshops

Areas of Focus

  • Increase academic excellence and retention of undergraduates in STEM
  • Enhance professional development amongst undergraduates in STEM
  • Broaden access and connections to resources
  • Facilitate pathways to research and skill building opportunities
  • Foster a sense of belonging and community amongst undergraduates in STEM

Benefits

  • Individualized support and resources through one-on-one success coaching
  • Enhanced campus connections and support systems 
  • Growth of academic excellence, professional development, and research skills
  • Increased confidence through success, mentorship, and community
  • Stronger sense of belonging in STEM

After joining the STEM Training and Excellence Program, students reported

  • 82% increase in their access to academic and other resources on campus 
  • 82% increase in support in ability to be successful in their major and prepare for the future
  • 70% of students in STEP have above a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA)
  • 100% increase in mentorship
  • 184% increase in the effectiveness of their current study habits

Student Insights

“Being an undergraduate in STEM can be challenging. Joining Rising 360, STEP allowed me to increase my access to support and guidance throughout my journey.”
- Prince Green '27

“Rising 360, STEP helped me access information and resources on campus that I didn’t know existed to improve my academic foundation.”
- Bright Agyapong '27

“Rising 360, STEP motivated me to continue to put myself out there, achieve my academic goals, and participate in enriching activities through their fun interactive events.”
- Aanya Bharti '28

“Rising 360, STEP has greatly encouraged me to stay on top of my classes and seek resources that I didn’t know the school offered to better my education experience.”
- Isaac Muwanguzi '29

STEP Peer Leaders

  • Bright Agyapong
    Bright Agyapong
    Electrical Engineering, 2027

    Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) Training and Excellence Program Cohort

  • Julia Do
    Julia Do
    Computer Science, 2027

    Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) Training and Excellence Program Cohort

  • Prince Green
    Prince Green
    Biology, 2027

    Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) Training and Excellence Program Cohort