Towson OPportunities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)is a new program sponsored by a grant from the National Science Foundation that is dedicated to increasing the number of students from the Baltimore area successfully completing a B.S. degree in science or mathematics from Towson University. TOPS provides a suite of support services that assist students to achieve academically. Individuals who are selected to participate in the TOPS program join a community of peers committed to the success of all participants in the program. TOPS participants are further encouraged to become peer tutors and mentors who assist other TOPS students as they pursue their degrees in the sciences or mathematics.
TOPS focuses on enhancing academic achievement and career opportunities in STEM by providing financial, academic, professional, and social support for TOPS participants, depending on individual needs.
This program involves a partnership between Towson University's Jess and Mildred Fisher College of Science and Mathematics and the Baltimore City Community College (BCCC). Students can participate in the TOPS program at both institutions. Students enrolled at TU apply to TOPS through TU, while students enrolled at BCCC apply to TOPS through BCCC.
BCCC students continue their education at TU and their participation in TOPS, where they join other TU students who are in the program. At both TU and BCCC, students interact with faculty and peer mentors to enhance their academic success in science and mathematics.
At TU, TOPS activities take place in a dedicated STEM Student Learning Center. Located in Smith Hall, room 304, the center has study spaces and computers that help to create an active learning community.
This program is funded by NSF which is mandated to support STEM programs that focus on non-biomedical careers. Therefore financial support cannot go to support students who are interested in pursuing health related professions (physician, nurse, nurse practitioner, physical therapist, etc.).
Towson OPportunities in STEM (TOPS)
Smith Hall, Room 303A (map)
Phone: 410-704-3128
Fax: 410-704-2604
E-mail: TOPS@towson.edu
Partial Support for this work was provided by the National Science Foundation's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Talent Expansion Program (STEP) under Award No. 0653011. Any opinions, finding, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
8000 York Road | Towson, MD 21252 | 410-704-2000
