Successful Transition & Empowerment Program (STEP)

Welcome to STEP!

The Successful Transition and Empowerment Program (STEP) connects every incoming student to a community of peers, mentors, and resources that support success throughout the first year. STEP offers programming to help incoming students successfully transition to college life and the Wharton environment.

Through cohort-based programming, students get connected to key resources, build meaningful relationships, and develop skills to navigate Wharton and Penn, both academically and socially.

STEP is designed to complement what’s happening in the classroom. Guided by an Exploration + Application approach, students are encouraged not only to discover new ideas and opportunities, but also to put them into practice through reflection, experiences, and community-building.

At its core, STEP is grounded in the following ideals:

• Community: Success is never a solo effort. Students join a network that encourages support and connection. 
• Collaboration: Learning is strengthened through partnership, teamwork, and mutual growth.
• Culture: Students bring unique perspectives and lived experiences that enrich the Wharton community.
• Authenticity: Students are encouraged to engage fully and confidently as themselves.

Beginning with the Class of 2030, the Wharton First Year Experience, known as First STEP, is for all incoming Wharton students. 

That means every first-year and transfer student will be placed in a STEP cohort led by trained student cohort directors from the summer before arrival on campus throughout the first year.

Who is part of STEP?

All Wharton first-year and transfer students are part of STEP.

This includes students in the coordinated dual-degree programs with Wharton: the Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business; the Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology (M&T); the Roy and Diana Vagelos Life Sciences & Management (LSM); and Nursing Health Care Management (NHCM).

When does First STEP begin?

Incoming students will receive more information about First STEP over the summer. STEP cohort directors will connect with students through one-on-one outreach and virtual group sessions. During Wharton New Student Orientation (NSO) in August, students will meet their cohort peers in person and begin their First STEP experience on campus.

Does STEP offer a pre-orientation program?

No. While STEP historically included a pre-orientation program, it no longer does. First STEP serves as a year-long framework for connection, exploration, and growth.

Participating in STEP does not affect your eligibility to apply for one Penn’s pre-orientation programs, and participating in a pre-orientation (or pre-NSO) program does not affect your STEP involvement either. 

How do I participate?

There are several ways:

• All incoming students are placed into one of 10 STEP Cohorts (approximately 60 students each).
• In the fall, students will take Wharton 1010: Business and You alongside members of their STEP cohort.
• Each student is also placed into a smaller pod (a more personal community within the cohort) and supported by a STEP cohort director, a trained student leader.

Questions?

Questions can be directed to whartonstep@wharton.upenn.edu.