STEEM is an innovative and comprehensive academic enhancement program to increase undergraduate student success, graduate school and teacher preparation for community college transfers in Mathematics Majors at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). STEEM is hosted by the UCSB Mathematics Department in collaboration with the Center for Science and Engineering Partnerships (CSEP) at the California Nanosystems Institute (CNSI). We aim to nurture student's academic achievement through financial support and opportunities to actively engage in the Mathematics community through early preparation that addresses the academic skills, social networking, and career exploration needed for success in Mathematics.

Financial Support

Scholars will receive $7,000 per year for up to 3 years to complete their Mathematics degree at UCSB.

Web Resources

New web resources provide prospective and admitted transfer students crucial information needed for timely graduation and graduate school preparation.

• Information for Prospective Transfer Students

Academic Skills

A new individually adaptive transitional course has been developed to emphasize the mathematical thinking skills required for success in upper division and advanced mathematics. Additional academic support is provided through peer led study groups, graduate student tutoring in upper division courses, and faculty mentoring.

Social Networking and Career Exploration

Scholars are actively engaged in the mathematics community through four focused activities:

• Faculty Mentoring - Each STEEM Scholar will be assigned a Mathematics Faculty Mentor who will check in with them several times per quarter to assess academic progress and career advising and support where needed.
• Meet a Professional Mathematician - Afternoon tea and cookies activity, which provides the opportunity for students to discuss possible careers and graduate school options with visiting speakers from across the country.
• Discussions with Scientists - Quarterly social networking with peers, graduate students and faculty at informal gatherings at the CSEP. Faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates from Science, Engineering and Mathematics disciplines come together over lunch to discuss research, careers, work-life balance, and post-graduate opportunities.
• Academic and Professional Development - Provided through peer organized workshops and clubs, in collaboration with STEEM faculty and graduate student mentors. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research and teacher preparation activities, where appropriate.