Step Up to STEM Academy

STEP UP To STEM Academy is a one-day, STEM orientation for incoming Bakersfield College Students who have declared a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) discipline as their major. The Step Up to STEM Academy aims to improve incoming students' math foundational skills, build a sense of belonging in the STEM Pathway, and promote academic, social, and interpersonal relationships at Bakersfield College.

Students will get to:

• Meet with a STEM counselor and get personalized guidance on what classes to take and enroll in.
• Speak with a STEM financial aid representative and learn more about how to pay for college.
• Connect with STEM faculty, staff, and students at Bakersfield College.
• Learn more about additional STEM programs and resources available to help you succeed during your academic career here at Bakersfield College.

STEM Academy students will be prepared for success in the STEM Pathway. Students will learn about how to build strong study habits, how to overcome academic obstacles by developing a growth mindset, and hear from guest panelists.

Program Dates:

• STEP UP To STEM Academy will be offered in June 2025.
• Students will select one date to attend: June 3rd, 4th, 5th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 16th, 17th, 24th, 25th, or 26th.

Program Requirements

• Register for a STEM Math course for the fall semester.
• Incoming Bakersfield College students or current Bakersfield College students who have been at Bakersfield College for less than a year.
• Have a declared major in one of the STEM disciplines: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Engineering, Geology, Mathematics, Computer Science or Physics.
• Must be able to commit to a selected date for the STEM Academy and attend the date selected from 9:00AM - 3:00PM.

Registration Form

To participate in the STEM Academy, please complete the registration form.

STEP UP TO STEM Academy 2025 Registration Form

Math Jam

In addition to the STEP UP To STEM Academy, MATH JAM will equip students to overcome the academic challenges associated with future courses on their path toward completing a STEM degree by building strong foundational math skills.  Students will participate in a foundational math curriculum taught by BC math faculty. The academy’s curriculum will focus on:

• Building Essential Math Skills: fractions, functions, and factoring
• Graphing Functions
• Identifying mathematical expressions: Linear vs. Exponential
• Patterning
• Calculator Skills

MATH JAM will be offered August 5th-15th, 2024. Students can register to attend MATH JAM by completing the STEP UP TO STEM Academy registration form.

Questions about the application or program please email: stem_pathway@bakersfieldcollege.edu