Program Overview

Introduction to the STEP: Hearst Scholars Program

The STEP: Hearst Scholars Program is a scholarship opportunity for transfer students made possible through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. This program provides transfer students with a renewable scholarship to support their studies and integrates them into a transfer scholar's community within the Mines Excellence Program (MEP), focusing on academic success and pathways into the workforce.

Program Mission and Goals

Mission

The mission of the STEP: Hearst Scholars Program is to support Hearst Scholars through peer mentoring, providing encouragement, community, motivation, and resources to aid in degree completion and workforce attainment.

Goals

The program has several key goals:

• Support STEP scholars in successfully completing their first semester at Mines and working to reduce "transfer shock".
• Support STEP scholars in successfully persisting beyond the first semester and through degree completion.
• Connect STEP scholars with their peers, staff, resources, and programs on campus, and industry opportunities.
• Provide guidance to STEP scholars in navigating Mines and Mines culture.

Eligibility and Requirements

Eligibility

To be eligible for the STEP: Hearst Scholars Program, applicants must:

• Be a transfer student from a community college, transferring into Mines.
• Be enrolled at Mines in an undergraduate STEM major.
• Have expressed interest in pursuing a STEM baccalaureate degree.

Requirements

Program requirements include:

• Completing the Fall Transfer Launch Orientation.
• Registering for CSM 201 (the course is free to students, paid for through MEP).
• Attending various academic, career, and community events/activities throughout the semester.
• Engaging in check-ins with MEP, the Center for Academic Services and Advising (CASA), and the Career Center.

Program Benefits

The STEP: Hearst Scholars Program offers several benefits, including access to peer mentors and transfer-specific programming throughout the year, thanks to the Hearst Foundation and a generous donation from Chevron. This support system is designed to foster academic success and facilitate a smooth transition into the workforce.