The Summer Transitional Enrichment Program (STEP) gives students two weeks on a college campus studying one accelerated course. STEP is a more mintense experience than YSSP, but it is not as rigorous or long as Accelerated Learning Program (ALP). This is the perfect transition for students who want to attend ALP or other summer residential programs in the future. Students in the middle grades look forward to this program because it offers a learning atmosphere very different from their school environment. STEP classes are designed to enrich, accelerate, and inspire. Class activities are structured to appeal to various learning styles, and long class periods give students the opportunity to concentrate on one area of interest. Classes are small—limited to no more than 16 students—and intense. Students choose one class for the entire two-week period and are assessed at the end of each week. This documentation and a class portfolio provide the discussion topics for the exit interviews at the end of the program.

"I loved WCATY. I had so much fun and made so many friends, I just wish we had more time."

- 2009 STEP Student

Evening Workshops

After a day immersed in one subject area, residential students have the opportunity to engage in a different kind of learning. Workshop options include chess instruction, knitting, spoken word, ballroom dance, or a variety of other activities designed to spark completely different kinds of talents and interests. Commuter students may also participate with advance arrangements—contact WCATY for more details.

Student Assessment

Instructors use a variety of assessment techniques, including observation and pre-test/post-test, throughout the program. Skills are assessed, but there are no grades or point scales and students do not receive class credit for STEP courses. At the end of the program, students and their parents will meet with instructors to discuss their achievements in the class. Written evaluations are sent home and copies are placed in student files at WCATY. For future reference, WCATY maintains records of all courses taken by students in all WCATY residential programs, including individual student assessments and instructors’ syllabi.

Click Here for Course Descriptions

For more information about STEP courses, contact Ola Skyba at (608) 890-3093.