ACCESS Student Training and Engagement Program

The STEP program contributes to a robust and well-trained STEM workforce by providing students with training on high-value, marketable skills in the areas of operational support, data & networking, and cybersecurity. Recruitment efforts for STEP will focus on reaching women and individuals from underrepresented groups.

STEP will soon have a webpage with application portal and will begin recruiting students for both STEP-1 and STEP-2. Planned phases include:

CONECT STEP-1 (May): Fifteen students will be recruited to participate in a two-week, coordinated workshop for fundamental CI training. The workshop will utilize training materials developed by coordinators from CONECT partners.

CONECT STEP-2 (June – August): Six students will continue, paired with one of the ACCESS Operations teams ( operational support, data & networking, and cybersecurity). The students will receive intermediate training, work on projects full-time with mentors, and attend a national conference (e.g., PEARC).

CONECT STEP-3 (September – May): Two students will receive advanced training and continue to work on projects with mentors on a part-time basis during the academic year. These students will attend a second national conference (e.g., the SC conference).