Office of Student Life

STEP

About STEP

STEP is an extension of Ohio State’s commitment to the student experience and provides an opportunity for education beyond the classroom. Students participating in STEP have the opportunity to submit a proposal for a fellowship of up to $2,000 to use towards a STEP Signature Project.

STEP Into Your Second Year

The Second-year Transformational Experience Program (STEP) is a one-of-a-kind opportunity created to enhance your success as a second-year student at The Ohio State University. Through interaction with a STEP Faculty Mentor and a small group of peers, you will have the opportunity to engage in a truly transformational experience across the course of your second year. Autumn semester is focused on community building, goal setting, personal growth and identity exploration through engaging discussions and activities. In the spring semester, your Faculty Mentor will guide you through the process of crafting a proposal for a STEP Signature Project.

World

"STEP connected me to a wonderful faculty member, new friendships, and parts of the world I never thought I'd get to explore."
- Shana Parker

Why Should I Join?

  • Develop a meaningful relationship with a faculty mentor on campus.
  • Meet weekly with other second-year students and your faculty mentor to build community within a cohort.
  • Find ways to enhance your personal, academic, career and life goals.
  • Receive a fellowship of up to $2,000 to engage in a STEP Signature Project in one of the following areas: Creative and Artistic Endeavor, Education Abroad, Internship, Leadership, Undergraduate Research or Service-Learning.

How Do I Find Out More?

  • Visit step.osu.edu, call 614-247-STEP (7837) or email step@osu.edu.
  • Attend an information session on campus.
  • Indicate your interest in STEP when completing your housing reselection form in the spring semester.
  • Read about past participants’ STEP Signature Projects at u.osu.edu/step

News and Articles

Student presenting at the Autumn 2023 STEP Expo

Volunteer as a STEP Expo Reviewer!

The Second-year Transformational Experience Program (STEP) is hosting its bi-annual Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston STEP Expo on Tuesday, November 19 in the Ohio Union’s Archie Griffin Ballroom.
Abstract picture with four sections (marine life, cancer research, healthcare, and scientific research))

10 Students Who Did Marvelous Things Through STEP

Read the Ohio State Alumni Magazine’s March 2024 publication "10 Students Who Did Marvelous Things Through STEP", which highlights the outcomes and experiences of ten former STEP students across project categories.
STEP Students pose in front of the Washington Monument, spelling out OHIO with their arms.

D.C. Trip Provides Transformative STEP for Buckeyes

Read Ohio State Marion’s article covering the 2024 STEP Spring Break trip to Washington D.C., open to STEP students on Ohio State’s Marion, Lima, and Wooster campuses.
Three smiling students hold up their STEP T-Shirts

STEP Featured in January Department Debrief (Parent and Family Relations)

Are you a Buckeye parent or family-member interested in learning more about STEP, a transformative opportunity for second-year students at Ohio State? In this article you’ll access relevant details.
STEP Expo

Ohio State News Reports on the Autumn 2023 STEP Expo

Read the Ohio State News' article entitled "STEP Expo Showcases Ohio State Students’ Research, Creativity".
Dan Thomas speaks with student

Ohio State Alumni Magazine Interviews STEP Faculty Mentors

Former and current STEP Faculty Mentors reflect on their commitment to mentorship and describe the role it has played in their own educational and professional journeys.