Engaged learning opportunities play a key role in a student’s educational experience at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College as we work to fulfill our mission “To engage, teach, coach, mentor, and provide relevant experiences that prepare the Graduate for life.” ABAC’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), STudent Engagement ProgramS (STEPS), will assist the College in achieving its mission and in implementing its strategic plan, Destination ABAC, by focusing on the development and enhancement of engaged learning opportunities. The Engaged Learning opportunities that are the focus of the STEPS program are internships, mentored research, and study abroad. Through participation in these engaged learning opportunities, students will develop knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to career and post-graduate success. Students will develop problem-solving skills, verbal and written communication skills, and demonstrate their ability to apply what they have learned in the classroom in a real-world setting. The STEPS student learning outcomes are:

• Students will demonstrate the skills, abilities, theories, or methodologies applied in new situations to solve problems or explore issues. (Problem-Solving Skills)
• Students will communicate discipline content using conventions appropriate to a specific audience and purpose. (Verbal and Written Communication Skills)
• Students will synthesize disciplinary knowledge applied in new, complex situations. (Application of Knowledge)

The goals of STEPS are the following:

• STEPS will provide adequate resources, tools, support, and guidance to its students and faculty to facilitate engaged learning experiences;
• STEPS will increase the number of students doing internships, completing mentored research projects, and studying abroad.

Through ABAC’s STEPS Program, students have opportunities to learn by participating in internships, mentored research activities, and study abroad. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide assistance to students who are involved in these types of engaged learning experiences. Applications are due on the first of each month, with notification to be made at the end of that month.