STEM Ready | UMBC-Shady Grove

STEM Ready diversifies our region’s future workforce by empowering students who are traditionally underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) fields to succeed in college and career. The program is a partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), Montgomery College (MC), the Universities at Shady Grove (USG), and University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), along with local and regional industry representatives. Starting with an application in sophomore year of high school, this pathway supports students in Montgomery County to pursue STEM careers and be part of the regional STEM workforce.

Supported local pathway starting sophomore year to college completion
Early access to college resources and support
Coaching, career readiness training, and professional opportunities

The STEM Ready program provides support and services for students to pursue a seamless pathway to a 4-year college degree in select STEM fields, including Translational Life Science Technology (TLST), Computer Science, and Mechanical Engineering. Together, these pathways and supportive interventions empower students in Montgomery County to pursue STEM careers to expand the diverse career-ready pool of graduates for the regional STEM workforce.

MCPS (11th & 12th): Academic Support and Guidance, Introduction to Career Readiness Skills Training, Career Immersion Trips, Access to UMBC Institute of Extended Learning, Peer-to-Peer Networking, Personal Career Coach and Access to the USG campus.

Montgomery College: Continued Access to Step #1 Supports plus; Job Shadowing Opportunities, Customized STEM Career Coaching, STEM Certificate Opportunities, Early Access to UMBC Student Resources, UMBC Pre-Transfer Advising, and Leadership Opportunities.

UMBC Shady Grove: Students will transfer from Montgomery College, to complete their upper level coursework, and earn a degree(s) from UMBC in Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or Translational Life Science Technology. Continued access to resources & opportunities from Steps 1 and 2 plus, Internships and Academic Research Opportunities.

Academic Training

Academic Support & Guidance

Take advantage of Early Access to College

Participate in Research Activities

Academic Enrichment Programming

Acces to College Level Resources

Career Readiness

Career Exploration Activities

Professional Skills Training

Industry Partner Mentoring & Networking Events

STEM Pathway & Career Compentencies Workshops

STEMpowerment & Self-Advocacy

Experiential Learning

Progressive Experiential Learning Opportunities

Career Immersion Field Trips

Engagement Opportunities with STEM Employers

Job shadowing & Networking

Internships & Mentoring

Industry Credentials

Stackable Credentials

Technology Skills Training

STEM Skill & Achievement Badging

STEM Certificate Training Opportunities

Professional STEM Association(s) Membership

Student Focused Programming

Students apply to STEM Ready during their sophomore year and begin to participate in supportive activities which supplement their academic pursuit of a STEM focused Associate Degree at Montgomery College and Bachelor’s Degree from UMBC at USG. Wraparound supports such as mentoring, academic advising, tutoring, and transfer support are provided to ensure that students successfully persist to graduation through these rigorous academic pathways.

Most importantly, STEM Ready staff will be there to guide students through college & career preparation

Is STEM Ready Right for Me?

STEM Ready is right for you if you can agree with the following statements:

I am interested in pursuing a degree in Applied Biotech, Computer Science, or Engineering.
I plan to pursue my degree utilizing the local MCPS -> MC -> UMBC-USG Pathway
I want to layer my high school and college journey with meaningful career experiences to meet the demands of regional STEM employers when I receive my degree!

Application Process

Students will register to attend a pre-application information session, starting in February 2024.
Application opens on February 1, 2024 and closes on closes April 30, 2024
Students accepted into the STEM Ready program will be notified in May 2024.
Accepted students complete the intake process during May & June 2024.
New student annual kickoff in August 2024.

MCPS Students Apply Now