Stepping Up to Science (STEPS) is a summer program sponsored by the Silicon Valley Education Foundation to help entering ninth grade students successfully complete biology through a 75-hour preparatory course. STEPS provides students with hands-on laboratory experience and classroom instruction by a credentialed high school teacher following curriculum designed specifically for the participating students. The program is equivalent to one school semester.
The 2011 summer program enrolled a total of 240 students in four high schools in San Jose’s East Side Union High School District - James Lick, William C. Overfelt, Andrew P. Hill and Yerba Buena.
Brief interviews with students, Daisy Tamayo, Michael Dwyer, and Christian Lopez in the STEPS class of teacher Adam Cheadle at James Lick High School describe how the program changed their attitudes and confidence about science.
STEPS | James Lick High School | Daisy | Michael | Christian | Mr. Cheadle
Learn about our math program and how it prepares middle school students throughout Silicon Valley to succeed in algebra.
Learn how Stepping Up to Science is getting students ready for their first A-G science class in high school and preparing them for college and career success.
Read why STEM education and mastery of science and math skills is important for preparing students for college and careers in the 21st century.
Download a fact sheet to learn more about Stepping Up to Science and how this program helps students prepare for their first year of college-prep laboratory science in high school.
Thanks to our sponsors: Texas Instruments, SummerHill Homes, Westly Foundation, U.S. Bancorp, Medtronic, JDS Uniphase, Robert Half Foundation and Leo M. Shortino Family Foundation