SSTRIDE (Science Students Together Reaching

Instructional Diversity & Excellence)

A primary mission of the Florida State University College of Medicine (FSUCOM) is to improve the delivery of health care services to Florida’s under-represented populations, particularly members of minority groups and those living in rural areas of the state. The disparity between the need for minority physicians and the pool of qualified minority applicants prompted students from cultural diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in health related and scientific fields. As a result of this need, several outreach programs evolved at the pre-college, college and post-baccalaureate level. The overall outreach effort, called SSTRIDE, is an educational pipeline that provides continuing academic support and assistance to students in grades 8 through college. This pipeline consists of several components designed to assist in student development, academic achievement and community involvement.

SSTRIDE (Science Students Together Reaching Instructional Diversity & Excellence) was instituted in the summer of 1993 as an outreach program of the Program In Medical Sciences (PIMS) at Florida State University, now the College of Medicine. SSTRIDE's mission is to identify students who have a genuine interest in pursuing a career in science, engineering, mathematics, health, or medicine and to give those students the support services important for them to develop the sense of responsibility, focus and motivation necessary for success in their chosen fields. The Rural SSTRIDE program in Okaloosa began in Okaloosa County in 2003. The rural program is housed in Shoal Creek Middle, Davidson Middle and Crestview High Schools.

For more information contact Penny Eubanks, peubanks@wfahec.org or Dr. Karen Molek, kmolek@wfahec.org.

Requirements

SSTRIDE students must maintain a minimum of a 3.0/B in all of their classes. Each student is required to achieve a 3 in both the Reading and Math sections of the FCAT. In addition students must maintain a good standing within their respective schools with no disciplinary records.

Student Track/Classes

SSTRIDE Brochure Summer 2010