The STEM PUSH Network is working to create systemic change in the post-secondary admissions process by reinventing the relationship between pre-college STEM programs and higher education admissions offices.

STEM PUSH is conducting the first large, cross-program research study of the impact of pre-college STEM program (PCSP) experiences on student enrollment and student persistence in STEM in post-secondary education.

The STEM PUSH Network supports pre-college STEM programs in strengthening how they serve students and work with admissions offices to pioneer a new way for pre-college programs to carry weight in admissions processes.

Through research and collaboration, STEM PUSH leverages the power of pre-college STEM programs to increase the number of students in undergraduate STEM programs.

STEM PUSH was established in the BE-STEM Center at the University of Pittsburgh

The STEM PUSH Network was founded as a National Science Foundation (NSF) INCLUDES Alliance, through a $10 million award. Within the Broadening Equity in STEM Center (BE STEM) at the University of Pittsburgh, STEM PUSH established the first national alliance of pre-college STEM programs engaging in improvement and collective impact to increase college enrollment and persistence in STEM.

The goal of the Alliance is to increase the visibility and value of STEM experiences and strengthen access to post-secondary STEM.

The STEM PUSH Network is creating an alternative, evidence-based, metric for college admissions review.

STEM PUSH has established an infrastructure of program improvement, including a novel accreditation credential in partnership with Middle States Association (MSA-CESS) that recognizes program quality and continuous improvement.

Collectively our cross-program longitudinal study of PCSP students’ college going demonstrates students are likely to enroll and persist in STEM through undergraduate study.

STEM PUSH is actively seeking college admissions partners who recognize STEM PUSH and PCSP accreditation toward enrolling and supporting more students to successfully pursue and persist in STEM through undergraduate study.

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