STEPUP (Successful Transition and Enhanced Preparation for Undergraduates Program) is more than a first-year program. It’s a launchpad for your entire undergraduate career in engineering.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll join a vibrant community of future engineers who will grow alongside you at UF. The program supports your transition into college through a structured combination of coursework, workshops, community-building, and mentorship.
Program Structure
As a first-year engineering student, your STEPUP experience includes:
- A six-week summer residential program before your first semester
- A non-residential fall and spring supplemental program during your first academic year
Summer STEPUP Residential Highlights
During the summer, your schedule will include a dynamic mix of classes, workshops, and real-world experiences that build both your academic foundation and your sense of community. Highlights include:
- Peer support and community-building activities
- Hands-on First-Year Design Course
- Workshops on Leadership, Innovation, and Career Development
- Group Industry Site Visits with STEPUP staff and student mentors
- Tours of UF campus resources to support your success
- Science and math prep for your fall coursework
Who Can Apply
Any incoming UF first-year engineering student can apply to STEPUP. Applications typically open in mid-April each year for newly admitted students. Learn More »
STEPUP is not a remedial program.
The courses and workshops are intentionally designed to reflect the rigor of a full UF course load, offering a challenging and enriching academic experience. STEPUP is ideal for students eager to push themselves academically, professionally, and personally to rise above expectations and thrive in their cohort.