Office of Academic Affairs » Academic Schools » School of Professional and Community Development (SPCD) » Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP)

Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP)

STEP logo

Purpose

To increase the number of economically disadvantaged students and others prepared to enter college, and improve their participation rate in mathematics, science, technology, health-related fields, and the licensed professions

Program Services

STEP provides academic enrichment in science and mathematics content areas. Projects consist of academic year and summer components including:

  • Core subject instruction/Regents exam preparation
  • Supervised practical training
  • Supervised research training
  • College admissions counseling
  • Standardized tests preparation
  • Career awareness/development activities

STEP Improves Student Readiness:

  • Enriches science and mathematics instruction
  • Provides laboratories for supervised training in research method
  • Conducts summer programs
  • Provides standardized test preparation and practice
  • Assists students with the college application process

Eligibility

Institutional Eligibility: Competitive grants are awarded to institutions of higher education (IHE). IHE’s administer projects in schools/school districts.

To be eligible for STEP, students must be:

  • New York State residents
  • Enrolled in grades 7-12
  • Economically disadvantaged and/or
  • In need of, or would greatly benefit from, academic enrichment or support in the STEM areas (to be determined locally)

Economically Disadvantaged:

  • For the purpose of STEP, a student is economically disadvantaged if he or she meets the income eligibility criteria (2022-28 STEP Income Eligibility Criteria). The eligibility standards set forth apply only at the time of admission as a first-time student to a STEP program. Once admitted, a student may continue to receive supportive services as needed, even if the family income rises above the current eligibility standards.
  • Additional documentation of household income need not be collected to determine eligibility under economic disadvantage if the student falls into one of the following categories, and documentation is available to demonstrate:
    • the student’s family is the recipient of family assistance program aid or safety net assistance through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance or a county department of social services; or is the recipient of family day-care payments through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services or a county department of social services;
    • the student is living with foster parents and no monies are provided from the natural parents; or
    • the student is a ward of the State or a county.
    • the student is eligible for free or reduced lunch at his or her secondary school based upon family income (verified by the school).

For a list of Professions Licensed, Registered, or Certified by the Board of Regents, please visit the Office of Professions

Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP)
John Brown
Project Director
1534 Bedford Avenue 2nd floor
Brooklyn, NY 11216
Email: step@mec.cuny.edu