About the Project

Despite strong interest in STEM majors, many first-time college students enter Bakersfield College without a clear understanding of STEM expectations, course sequencing, or available support resources. This gap affects first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students, who are more likely to feel uncertain and disengage early. Recent statewide policy changes have accelerated placement into transfer-level English and math, increasing the need for early preparation, advising, and academic momentum. Without intentional onboarding, students may take inappropriate course loads, underuse tutoring and mentoring, and struggle to navigate degree and transfer requirements—leading to lower persistence and delayed completion. This project addresses this transition through structured early support, connecting students to expectations, resources, and academic planning before challenges arise. The Step Up to STEM Academy (STEM B50) is a structured onboarding and early-momentum program designed to support first-time-in-college students entering the STEM pathway at Bakersfield College. Built on proven success over the last five years, this project provides incoming students with early connection to academic expectations, STEM identity development, support services, and guided academic planning prior to and at the start of their first term in community college.