The Grand Valley State University Science Technology & Engineering Preview Summer (STEPS) Camp was adopted in 2002 under three guiding principles: building self-esteem, confidence, and self-efficacy, increasing content knowledge and interest in engineering, science, and technology, and nurturing teamwork.  Over 1670 students have completed the STEPS program with 94% of the participants identifying as female and 28% identifying as a minority. 

STEPS is a four-day non-residential camp for middle school-age students that blends and blurs technical content, project-based learning, career exploration, and social growth. Campers are guided by GVSU student counselors majoring in a STEM program or pre-service education.  The counselors are selected to provide technical content support and classroom management skills, but ultimately the campers see them as role models. 

Over the years, STEPS has partnered with various educational partners including Allendale Public Schools Transportation, Amway, Arconic/Alcoa/Howmet, Bosch Community Fund, Cascade Engineering, FIRST Robotics, GE Aviation, Gentex, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Grandville Public Schools Transportation, GVSU Exercise Science Department, Kent Radio Aero Club, NASA Michigan Space Grant Consortium, Parker-Hannifin, Perrigo, Regional Math and Science Center, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Warped Wings R/C Club, West Michigan Aviation Academy, and the Wolverine Skyhawks.