Admitted Students

What is STEP?

The Special Transitional Enrichment Program (STEP) is a two-year program for incoming first-generation, low-income students. The goal of the program is to provide students with the guidance, skills and resources to be successful at UC Davis. Incoming first-year UC Davis students eligible for STEP must apply and be selected for the program.

Benefits of STEP

Students who participate in STEP will have the opportunity to meet other students through community-building events and networking opportunities. STEP students receive support from EOP Peer Advising Counselors (PACs) and academic guidance from UC Davis faculty and staff. STEP students also receive four quarters of priority registration after completing the summer component of STEP and meeting program requirements.

Summer STEP

The program begins with a summer residential portion in which students stay in the residence halls for 6 weeks prior to the academic year. STEP students enroll in 6 units of Summer Session courses predetermined by EOP staff.

While adjusting to the rigor of UC Davis courses, STEP students learn about campus life and how to navigate campus resources. Additionally, STEP students build community with peers who will continue to support them during the academic year. STEP students can expect to engage in events around social justice, financial readiness and effective study skills.

Students eligible for STEP are not automatically enrolled. Students interested in participating in STEP must complete and submit the STEP application. In order to apply, students first need to submit their Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) for UC Davis by May 15, 2024. FAFSA or CA Dream Act applications must also be submitted by May 15, 2024.

The STEP application can be found in MyAdmissions.

The STEP 2024 application deadline: June 1, 2024

Summer STEP General Expectation

STEP students are expected to take full advantage of program offerings and the educational opportunities they represent. During the summer component, STEP students must attend: 

  • Classes
  • Office hours
  • Tutoring
  • STEP extracurricular activities
  • Any appointments with staff from the EOP team

STEP students must also follow the UC Davis Principles of Community and commit to following the academic year expectations.

Freshman Foundations (Year 1)

During their first year, all STEP students will continue building on the academic and social skills they acquired during summer STEP while integrating into the broader campus community. This is done through:

  • Participation in a First-Year Aggie Connection or a course approved by EOP
  • Meeting with their Peer Advising Counselor (PAC) at least once per quarter
  • Attending STEP and/or EOP events

Sophomore Success (Year 2)

During their second year, all STEP students refine the academic and social skills implemented during their first year while fostering personal growth and professional preparation. This is done through:

  • Referrals to various campus programs and services
  • Meeting with EOP staff for retention advising
  • Attending STEP and/or EOP sponsored events

Upcoming STEP Events

If you're interested in learning more about STEP, please check your personal email for details regarding the following:

Virtual Happenings

  • What is STEP? Webinar
    Learn more about STEP, the STEP application, and this is the opportunity to ask our team any and all questions that you have regarding STEP.
  • Virtual STEP Alumni Panel
    • Date & Time TBA
  • STEP Office Hours
    Do you have any questions or want to know more about STEP? Hop on Zoom during any of the following times: Zoom link
    • Tuesday, April 2nd 4:00 - 6:00 PM
    • Tuesday, April 9th 4:00 - 6:00 PM
    • Tuesday, April 16th 4:00 - 6:00 PM
    • Tuesday, April 23rd 4:00 - 6:00 PM
    • Tuesday, April 30th 4:00 - 6:00 PM
    • Tuesday, May 7th 4:00 - 6:00 PM
    • Tuesday, May 14th 4:00 - 6:00 PM
    • Tuesday, May 21st 4:00 - 6:00 PM
    • Tuesday, May 28th 4:00 - 6:00 PM

Important Deadlines

Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) Deadline: May 15, 2024

2023-2024 and 2024-2024 FAFSA/CA Dream Act Application Deadline (for STEP): May 15, 2024

STEP Application Deadline: June 1, 2024