“About 75% of STEM Start participants reported increased feelings of preparedness and belonging before beginning their first semester at EKU.” – Elise Lahiere
Each August, incoming STEM students arrive at Eastern Kentucky University eager to begin their college journey. Many get an early start through STEM Start, a four-day residential bridge program designed to help students build confidence, connections and a strong foundation for success.
“STEM Start is a four-day residential bridge program held immediately before Big E Welcome,” said Elise Lahiere, Interim Director of the Center for STEM Excellence. “During this project-based experience, students practice and apply fundamental concepts and skills relevant to their majors and interact with current students, faculty and staff in the College of STEM. Participation in this program helps ensure STEM Students arrive ready to succeed!”
The program focuses on both academic and personal development. STEM Start is designed to increase retention and graduation rates while helping students strengthen their sense of belonging, preparedness, self-efficacy and connection to faculty and peers. By bridging the gap between high school and college, participants begin their first semester with a clearer understanding of their major and the resources available to support them.
During Summer 2026, 41 incoming students participated in STEM Start, supported by 13 undergraduate Learning Assistants and 15 faculty members from 5 departments. Students represented majors across agriculture, animal and veterinary sciences, biology, computer science, engineering, engineering technology management, forensic science, wildlife management, and mathematics.
When asked what outcomes from the 2026 program Lahiere was most proud of, she said, “…the increases in sense of belonging and feeling of preparedness. About 75% of participants saw increases in these areas, which can be challenging for incoming freshmen who are leaving home for the first time and adjusting to college level studies.”
For many students, STEM Start provided their first opportunity to meet classmates, faculty and staff within their academic discipline. Participants moved into residence halls early, explored campus before the semester began and developed relationships that would continue throughout their first year and beyond.
“STEM START impacted my interest because now I know other people who will be in my classes and can help me,” said one student. “We’ve already formed a study group and hung out a lot. We’ve all gotten really close.”
The program’s Learning Assistants, who are upperclass STEM students, play an especially important role by serving as near-peer mentors and guides. Their experiences help incoming students navigate challenges and gain valuable insight into college life from a student perspective.
Experiential learning is at the heart of the program. Agriculture students participated in outdoor leadership activities, while Forensic Science students conducted fingerprint analysis, identified unknown substances and explored the anthropology lab. Engineering students toured the Toyota manufacturing facility and worked with emerging technologies, Mathematics and Statistics students worked with TI-Rovers and 3-D printing, while Wildlife Management students participated in field experiences such as bird banding. These experiences helped students envision future careers and reinforce their academic interests.
“At first I was thinking maybe I’ll switch or do something else after the first semester, but STEM START reinforced my belief that forensics is what I want to do,” said one Forensic Science student. An Engineering student commented, “It assured me that I made a good choice and that I should be in good hands!”
What began in Summer 2024 with a single Engineering and Technology track has grown into a college-wide initiative spanning five academic tracks. Program leaders continue to use student feedback to strengthen the experience and expand opportunities for future cohorts.
STEM Start has been supported through funding from the First 2 Network and other donors, allowing students to participate at no cost. As external grant funding concludes, alumni engagement and philanthropic support will play an important role in sustaining and growing the program.
As Lahiere reflected, reviewing student feedback provides a powerful reminder of the program’s impact: students arrive at EKU enthusiastic about their chosen fields and begin their college careers feeling prepared, connected and confident. Ultimately, that is the mission of STEM Start and the reason it continues to make a difference.
Alumni can contribute in several ways, including serving as guest speakers, hosting site visits, mentoring students or making financial contributions to support future cohorts. Professionals who are interested in becoming involved are encouraged to contact Lahiere (Elise.Lahiere@eku.edu).