Core Programs
M-STEP
M-STEP (Michigan - Success Through Excellence and Persistence) is an OAMI program that offers M-STEP scholars, first-year students who are residents of the state of Michigan, success coaching, resources, and a community. Our M-STEP scholars connect with Success Professionals who specialize in an academic area focused on specific majors. Working with our Success Professionals, M-STEP scholars gain a trusting, open, and safe coaching relationship. Scholars talk freely about school and life balance, SMART goals, intentional academic planning, reflective practices, self-discovery, and more!
M-STEP is made possible through the state of Michigan's Select Student Support Services (4-S) Program, a part of the King-Chávez-Parks (KCP) Initiative. The 4-S Program is designed to develop retention programs to benefit students with academic or financial challenges enrolled at 4-year public and independent educational institutions throughout Michigan.
Invitations are sent to Michigan residents to support them in their success at U-M and prepare them for a prosperous career and fulfilling life beyond college.
M-STEP is a strategic program designed to strengthen Michigan's workforce by preparing the next generation of professionals and industry leaders.
Opportunities for Students
The benefits of being an M-STEP scholar
As a member of the M-STEP program, you’ll have access to:
- Priority scheduling for success coaching for one-on-one and group connections.
- Peer academic tutors who will help you understand your classes' foundational concepts and lessons more effectively.
- Leadership and pre-professional workshops that provide a challenging and enriching environment.
- A diverse support network within SuccessConnects and the broader university community to help fulfill your personal and social goals.
Workforce Impact
Supporting Michigan's future workforce
M-STEP at the University of Michigan is funded by the state of Michigan's Select Student Support Services (4-S) Program, which is part of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity-Workforce Development’s (LEO-WD) program.
M-STEP aligns with the state government's mission to address key metrics, including:
- Supporting Governor Whitmer's Sixty by 30 plan, which sets a goal for 60 percent of Michiganders to have a post-secondary degree or certificate by 2030.
- Reversing the state’s historically low college attainment rate — the lowest among neighboring states and 37th in the nation, which has created a deficit of skilled workers in Michigan.
- Increasing retention for underrepresented students. According to the Michigan non-profit Diploma Equity Project, as of 2021, 51 percent of students in the state who left college without a credential were Black, 35 percent Hispanic, and 19 percent Asian.
M-STEP Team
Janice Jones, PhD
Program Director