MSU officials want to prepare future Spartans for success, and a new program may give them the boost they need.

MSU President M. Peter McPherson announced the creation of STEPS, a supportive admission program for transfer students, during his eighth annual State of the University Address on Tuesday.

The program, which will begin next fall, offers ongoing advising from MSU counselors for prospective transfer students who attend any of the participating community colleges throughout the state.

MSU Provost Lou Anna Simon said the program is valuable because transfer students are important to MSU’s commitment to making the university accessible.

MSU admits between 1,000 and 1,200 transfer students from community colleges each year.

“We felt that in the land-grant spirit that it would be important to work with community colleges to provide better encouragement and support for these students,” Simon said.

The program is intended to supplement MSU’s College Achievement Admissions Program, another alternative admissions program for incoming freshmen who need support adjusting to MSU.

Simon said STEPS is for students who aren’t ready for university-level academics. The program is geared toward students who have economic or academic difficulties.

McPherson said he’s proud MSU is extending support into the community.

“I want to be sure we reach economically challenged students and the community colleges can provide an excellent beginning,” he said. “And that’s especially possible when the community college and university are working together.”

Ten community colleges in Michigan have formed partnerships with the program, and more are expected, McPherson said.

Some community college officials say they are excited MSU is reaching out to their students.

Ken Atwater, vice president for student services at Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, said the program will benefit everyone involved - but mostly the students.

“Our primary focus is the students and here’s just another opportunity to provide quality service to them and make admission to MSU easier,” Atwater said.

This fall, between 50 and 150 high school students will be identified to participate in the program, they will then enroll in one of the community colleges. Students will be eligible to apply for admission to MSU after their skills have been assessed.

Janice Varney, dean of student services at Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, said the program will make admission to MSU less stressful for participants.

“When students have all the information they need and get these types of support, we can remove any barriers or unnecessary steps,” she said.

Varney said Lake Michigan College has a similar bridge program with Western Michigan University, but she’s delighted MSU has offered its support also.

“We think it is very forward-thinking on their part and it will make the university more inclusive for all students,” she said.