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GT STEP

Graduate and Transfer Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Talent Expansion Program (GT STEP)

GT STEP was a grant-funded program that has been discontinued. The information below is preserved as a model for other programs. For more information, please email gtstep@montgomerycollege.edu. 

The Graduate and Transfer Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Talent Expansion Program (GT STEP) is designed to assist STEM majors (biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, engineering, or math) in acquiring their associate degrees and/or facilitating their transfer to a four-year institution. If you are interested in joining the STEM community at MC, then the GT STEP program may be for you! This five year, $1.8 million dollar program is supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF). 

When you join GT STEP, you will:

  • Become part of a learning community of peers and faculty making you more likely to achieve a higher GPA and increase the likelihood of graduating with an associate degree.
  • Benefit from tutoring and personal mentoring/academic advice by MC's outstanding science, engineering, and math faculty.
  • Partake in independent research, paid internships, and interdisciplinary activities designed to pique and maintain interest in the STEM fields.
  • Receive assistance in preparing for transfer to four-year institutions. 
  • Qualify for up to $300 per semester, during the first year, which can be used for tuition credit and/or bookstore voucher for STEM textbooks.

Program Eligibility and Application 

GT STEP is for incoming and current MC students who have recently declared or plan to declare a major in a STEM field (biology, biotechnology, environmental science, chemistry, physics, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, or math). Veterans and workforce development students interested in pursuing a degree in STEM are strongly encouraged to apply.

 Students interested in the GT STEP program must:

  • declare a STEM major.
  • be a full-time student (minimum of 12 credits per semester).
  • have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
  • be a US citizen, permanent resident, or refugee alien.
  1. Complete a GT STEP application (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window)
  2. Submit a one-page personal essay (up to 300 words), describing your academic and career plans OR submit one (1) letter of recommendation from either a teacher or professional (STEM field preferred).
  3. Provide either Accuplacer, SAT, or ACT scores in Math, English and Reading (if not on file at MC).
  4. Submit an unofficial copy of your transcript (if available or not on file at MC).

Newly accepted GT STEP students will be paired with a STEM faculty member who will provide personal mentoring / academic advice. Students will then be enrolled on an as-needed basis in college non-credit or credit math courses (MATH 096, MATH 098, MATH 165, MATH 181, or MATH 182), reading courses (READ 099 or READ 120) and/or English courses (ENGL 001, ENGL 002, ENGL 101, ENGL 102) and may be eligible to receive partial tuition reimbursement for successful completion of said courses.  GT STEP students will also be required to participate in at least two program sponsored events every semester.

GT STEP Pre-Freshman Summer Bridge Program

The GT STEP Pre-Freshman Summer Bridge Program is designed to prepare students to succeed in their introductory science and math courses.  This special edition of MC's general Summer Bridge Program is tailored to the needs of new, incoming students who declare a STEM major.  

In addition to the valuable knowledge gained from the general summer bridge program, accepted GT STEP students can expect training in promoting team-building and peer-support skills, information literacy, scientific methodology, communication of scientific research skills, and hands-on participation in exciting and fun laboratory experiments.  

High school seniors who are planning to attend Montgomery College and major in the natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics), computer science, engineering, or math are encouraged to apply. Full tuition scholarships are available for this one-credit class (must participate fully and must earn a grade of at least C). 

STEM Programs and Degrees

Chemical and Biological Sciences
Science, Engineering, and Technology 
Mathematics, Statistics, and Data Science

 

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What People are Saying
I would like to thank you for the GT-STEP program. This program was beneficial and I recommend anyone in the STEM fields to join. This program helped me become more involved and aware of the opportunities around the STEM fields. The workshops gave great tips on becoming a better student and the guest speakers (especially MC alums) gave great advice and put context what one can do with a STEM degree. It was also helpful to hear their transfer experience from Montgomery College to a four-year university.
GT STEP participant who transferred to University of Maryland College Park with a full tuition merit scholarship