×

Scholar Transition and Enrichment Program (STEP)

STEP is a cohort-based transition program that centers equity-assets based approaches to skill development and seeks to amplify the skills and lived experiences participants already possess. Cohort members will be supported in exploring the intersections of their identities, identifying academic preparedness skills, learning about institutional culture and supports, as well as identifying approaches to holistic wellness rooted in self and community care. Cohort members can expect to engage in group activities and individual reflection, connect with curricular and co-curricular campus resources, and gain tangible skills and knowledge about salient equity and justice topics.

STEP is the first opportunity for CDI mentees to engage with the Department’s programs, pedagogy, and praxis. It serves as a scaffold for the learning and exploration journey mentees will navigate over the course of their time at the institution. There is no cost to participate in the program.

Program Goals and Learning Objectives

Participant Eligibility

40 participants will be selected from the Mentorship Program cohorts based on application materials.

  • Confirmed participation in any of the following CDI Mentorship Programs: Students Together Are Reaching Success (STARS), Loyola University Chicago Empowering Sisterhood (LUCES), and Queer Undergraduates of Empowerment, Support and Triumph (QUEST) along with the inclusion of Rambler Brotherhood Project (RBP)
  • Centering scholars of color and/or first-generation college student, but open to all
  • Attend all program sessions and participate in all workshops, facilitated dialogue, skill shares, and activities.

Program Dates

August 16-21, 2025

  • Student & Family Orientations: Saturday, August 16th - morning
  • Move-In: Saturday, August 16th - afternoon
  • STEP Program: Sunday, August 16th - Thursday, August 21st

Applications

Applications for the 2025 - 2026 academic year will be available June 2025.

STEP is a cohort-based transition program that centers equity-assets based approaches to skill development and seeks to amplify the skills and lived experiences participants already possess. Cohort members will be supported in exploring the intersections of their identities, identifying academic preparedness skills, learning about institutional culture and supports, as well as identifying approaches to holistic wellness rooted in self and community care. Cohort members can expect to engage in group activities and individual reflection, connect with curricular and co-curricular campus resources, and gain tangible skills and knowledge about salient equity and justice topics.

STEP is the first opportunity for CDI mentees to engage with the Department’s programs, pedagogy, and praxis. It serves as a scaffold for the learning and exploration journey mentees will navigate over the course of their time at the institution. There is no cost to participate in the program.

Participant Eligibility

40 participants will be selected from the Mentorship Program cohorts based on application materials.

  • Confirmed participation in any of the following CDI Mentorship Programs: Students Together Are Reaching Success (STARS), Loyola University Chicago Empowering Sisterhood (LUCES), and Queer Undergraduates of Empowerment, Support and Triumph (QUEST) along with the inclusion of Rambler Brotherhood Project (RBP)
  • Centering scholars of color and/or first-generation college student, but open to all
  • Attend all program sessions and participate in all workshops, facilitated dialogue, skill shares, and activities.

Program Dates

August 16-21, 2025

  • Student & Family Orientations: Saturday, August 16th - morning
  • Move-In: Saturday, August 16th - afternoon
  • STEP Program: Sunday, August 16th - Thursday, August 21st

Applications

Applications for the 2025 - 2026 academic year will be available June 2025.