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Email: enroll@swau.edu
Call: (817) 202-6749
STEP into Your Future: A STEM Summer Experience at SWAU!
The STEP Program is a three-week, immersive summer experience for high-achieving high school seniors and incoming freshmen who are ready to get a head start on college and life. Designed for students with an interest in STEM and media, this program blends hands-on academic learning, spiritual growth, and life-changing mentorship in a supportive, Christ-centered environment. Students will earn up to 4 college credits from a selection of rigorous, engaging courses while living on campus and building lifelong friendships.
Program Overview
As a S.T.E.P. student, you will:
- Earn up to 4 college credit hours by completing engaging, fast-paced courses.
- Live on campus with all-inclusive housing and meals included in your program fee.
- Participate in social, cultural, and career-focused activities to help you build friendships and discover new opportunities.
- Receive academic mentoring through personalized coaching sessions with an academic navigator.
- Enjoy weekly worships, vespers, and weekend activities designed to support your personal and spiritual growth.
Dates & Location:
July 19th – August 6th, 2026 at Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, TX
Download Schedule
Cost
$800 per student
What's Included?
- Three weeks of on-campus housing
- Three meals per day
- Weekly excursions and enrichment activities
- Daily worships and faith-building workshops
- Academic and spiritual mentorship
- Early access to university resources
- A supportive, faith-based community
A $7,000 value; yours for just $800!
Cost
$800 per student
What's Included?
- Three weeks of on-campus housing
- Three meals per day
- Weekly excursions and enrichment activities
- Daily worships and faith-building workshops
- Academic and spiritual mentorship
- Early access to university resources
- A supportive, faith-based community
A $7,000 value; yours for just $800!
Who Should Apply
We’re looking for curious, motivated students who are ready to challenge themselves, explore career pathways, and experience college life at one of Texas’ most welcoming and diverse campuses.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Incoming high school seniors or first-time freshmen
- Minimum 3.0 GPA (official transcript required)
- A short 250–300 word essay explaining your interest in STEP and how you hope it will prepare you for your future
Who Should Apply
We’re looking for curious, motivated students who are ready to challenge themselves, explore career pathways, and experience college life at one of Texas’ most welcoming and diverse campuses.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Incoming high school seniors or first-time freshmen
- Minimum 3.0 GPA (official transcript required)
- A short 250–300 word essay explaining your interest in STEP and how you hope it will prepare you for your future
Apply Now
Steps to Get Started: For Students and Families
- Make sure you are eligible
- Write a short 250–300 word essay explaining your interest in STEP and how you hope it will prepare you for your future.
- Complete your STEP Application
- Select your courses
- Send your STEP Application along with your Essay and Highschool Transcript via email to enroll@swau.edu by April 1st, 2026; notifications of acceptance will be sent by April 15th, 2026.
- Begin earning college credit with confidence
Courses Offered
During S.T.E.P., you can choose from various course options based on your future college plans. Course options include
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
BIOL 103 – Human Biology (4 credits, with lab)
Explore the systems of the human body, disease prevention, and principles of healthful living. Fulfills the Life Science competency requirement and introduces students to health and biology careers.
MATH 141 – Intro to Probability & Statistics (3 credits)
Learn the fundamentals of data analysis, sampling, and inferential statistics; skills that are crucial for careers in STEM, business, and health sciences.
COMM 137 – Mobile & Emerging Media Production (3 credits)
Tell stories through digital media! Learn hands-on techniques in video, audio, and storytelling for film, TV, and digital platforms.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
BIOL 103: Human Biology Lab (required for those taking Human Biology)
KINA 111 – Physical Fitness (1 credit) (required for those taking MATH 141 and COMM 137)
Understand the fundamentals of SDA health principles while building personal wellness habits through hands-on fitness education.
Courses Offered
During S.T.E.P., you can choose from various course options based on your future college plans. Course options include
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
BIOL 103 – Human Biology (4 credits, with lab)
Explore the systems of the human body, disease prevention, and principles of healthful living. Fulfills the Life Science competency requirement and introduces students to health and biology careers.
MATH 141 – Intro to Probability & Statistics (3 credits)
Learn the fundamentals of data analysis, sampling, and inferential statistics; skills that are crucial for careers in STEM, business, and health sciences.
COMM 137 – Mobile & Emerging Media Production (3 credits)
Tell stories through digital media! Learn hands-on techniques in video, audio, and storytelling for film, TV, and digital platforms.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
BIOL 103: Human Biology Lab (required for those taking Human Biology)
KINA 111 – Physical Fitness (1 credit) (required for those taking MATH 141 and COMM 137)
Understand the fundamentals of SDA health principles while building personal wellness habits through hands-on fitness education.
Admissions Requirements
Learn the requirements for admission to our academic programs at Southwestern Adventist University. Learn more about our Admissions Page.
Student Resources and Support
Through the Office of Student Success, you can access comprehensive support services, including tutoring, counseling, internship placements, and more. Explore our Student Success Services.
Financial Information
Review tuition costs, fees, and financial aid options for our programs at Southwestern Adventist University. Visit our Financial Aid and Scholarship pages for more details.