Regional Student Transition and Engagement Program

According to the 2022 Detroit Regional Chamber’s , 66% of the Region’s graduates enroll in postsecondary education after graduating from high school. To combat summer melt, a situation where a student wishes to attend college but never enrolls, the Chamber’s Detroit Drives Degrees team and Detroit College Access Network developed the Regional Student Transition and Engagement Program (STEP). Regional STEP connects high school seniors to postsecondary access professionals in the summer, where they build a strong, trusting relationship with 12 STEP coaches to make meaningful decisions regarding college selection. They also complete paperwork, including but not limited to, FAFSA and financial aid, housing, and enrollment transition. Students also set up an action plan to address their basic needs (e.g., food and transportation) in college.