STEP program scores with students increasing likelihood of graduation
September 18, 2009
Twenty incoming Rutgers Business School freshmen successfully completed the Scholars Training and Enrichment Program (STEP) this past summer, the third year of the program’s operation. The STEP program was created to increase the likelihood that minority students would graduate. “The program’s goal is increase the graduation rate of minority students, who are more likely to drop out than white students,” said program founder Dr. dt ogilvie, associate professor of business strategy and director of The Center of Urban Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CUEED).Results from the first two years have been positive. “STEP students achieved a GPA that was 19.7% higher than the average RBS student,” said Dr. ogilvie. “We are very proud of that result and hope the trend continues with our third set of students.”The participants came from all over the state, from a rich diversity of racial and ethnic backgrounds, for an intensive six-week pre-enrollment program of academic courses and enrichment activities from June 28 to August 7 on the Rutgers-Newark campus.“We were very pleased with the hard work of our STEP scholars, the commitment from the STEP staff and instructors, and the generous support of our funders in this endeavor,” said Dr. ogilvie.Tyco presents a $50,000 grant award to STEP. (Left to right) STEP Executive Director Leon Fraser, STEP Founding Director dt ogilvie, Tyco Vice President of Corporate Communications Paul Fitzhenry, Tyco Director of Human Resources Lian Li.The participants lived on campus, enjoyed dining hall food, and attended a variety of non-credit courses such as Math, Business Communication, Accounting, Finance, and Study Skills before they started their official freshman courses in September. They also took field trips to the corporate headquarters of Tyco in Princeton, PSE&G in Newark, and DiversityInc also in Newark to learn about business careers in different industries and had social activities to make the summer a memorable experience. The prospects are encouraging. “I have realized that coming to STEP was the best decision at this point in my life,” said STEP Scholar Regina Rozario from Jersey City. “It helped me grow as an individual and helped me reach levels of excellence which I thought were impossible for me.”Another STEP Scholar, Sophia Mondesir of Clifton also benefited from the program. “It was an honor to be part of this program,” said Mondesir. “I learned lots and now I have a much clearer view of what college will be like for me in the fall.”RBS faculty members Carter Daniel, Daniel Levin, Dan Stubbs, and Stevie Watson taught some of the courses and seminars as well as other Rutgers faculty and outside subject matter experts.Three sponsors have been integral to STEP’s success since its inception: PSE&G, Tyco, and Diversity Inc. Additional sponsors would be welcome to help continue the program’s momentum.
