Built on the prior institutional efforts at curriculum reform and integration, the goal of TAMU STEPS - Science Technology and Engineering Talent Expansion Program is to increase the quality, quantity, and diversity of students pursuing degrees in engineering, mathematics, and physics. Objectives include:

Objective 1: Increase first-year PEM student retention by improving the quality and engagement levels of student learning through the development of laboratory experiences in Physics and Calculus courses that integrate industry-based projects in the Foundations of Engineering courses.

Objective 2: Increase the first-year PEM student retention and academic performance through the use of individual learning and study strategies to transition from high school to the college environment, particularly as it relates to under-represented and first generation students.

Objective 3: Increase first-year student retention and academic performance by establishing a joint PEM Teaching Assistant (TA) training program, extension of Week in Review and Peer Teacher retention programs.

STEPS IN TEES NEWS!

Texas A&M System, TEES take big STEPs to student retention

COLLEGE STATION, Texas - If you take the time to sit down and speak with a student enrolled in Foundations of Engineering I, the freshman introductory course to engineering, you would get a very different picture of the engineering program at Texas A&M University than five years ago.  This phenomenon is occurring in math, science and engineering courses across the state. Through the partnership of the Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) and four universities in The Texas A&M University System, changes are being made to increase enrollment and retention in these degree programs. Texas A&M University, West Texas A&M University, Texas A&M University-Kingsville and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, all TEES Regional Divisions, have received Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Talent Expansion Program (STEP) grants from the National Science Foundation.
"TEES assisted faculty and administrators at each of the four institutions to develop the proposals and grant concepts based on the needs of the individual campuses and their plans to increase enrollment in science, engineering and mathematics, particularly among students who are first generation or underrepresented in these majors," said Dr. K. L. Peddicord, director of TEES. 

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