USC is partnering with our regional campuses and SC technical colleges to increase the number of bachelor’s degree graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics(STEM).

The SC STEPs (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Talent Expansion Program) to STEM project provides scholarships, research internships, workshops, and a series of courses designed to acclimate STEM transfer students to the University and their degree programs.

The SC STEPs to STEM program is intended to make transitions from regional and technical colleges as seamless as possible and to increase the success and retention of transfer students in the STEM fields.

Program components include:

• Special courses – STEM 101, HIST 108, and a senior seminar course. Students receive a $500 stipend during the semesters in which they are registered in any of these courses.
• Monthly social gatherings with STEM faculty and students.
• Research internships where students receive $500 per semester and $3000 in the summer.
• Links to special services including admissions counseling, financial aid education, academic assistance through the Student Success Center, major and career counseling, and a peer mentoring program.

The program is completely free. This is a National Science Foundation grant-funded program that aims to keep STEM transfer students in their majors and help them graduate. To participate, students must have transferred from a SC technical college or a USC regional campus.

For more information about the SC STEPs to STEM program, please contact:

Susan Hudson
Coordinator for Outreach Programs
(803) 777-9970
hudsons@sc.edu