The Student Transition Empowerment Program (STEP) is an initiative in the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Multicultural Education (ODIME) created to enhance the recruitment, engagement and retention of first generation college students accepted to George Mason University. Our mission is to empower students through academic skills, access to resources, community building, self-discovery, and the global citizenship needed to compete in today’s college environment and beyond. STEP includes two key components–STEP Summer and STEP Academic Year. STEP Summer is a six week residential program from June 27th to August 8th (including weekends) for selected, first-year George Mason University students. STEP students earn 6 credits (2 classes), have exposure to living on campus, and build a support network of peers, faculty, and staff prior to the start of their freshman school year.