Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP)
Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) at Suffolk County Community College is offered to students in 7th through 12th grades in selected school districts.
STEP is designed to motivate and prepare economically disadvantaged students for careers in science, technology and mathematics-related disciplines, along with licensed professions such as nursing and accountancy. Academic activities that encourage critical thinking, along with intensive instruction in mathematics, science and computer science, are teamed with support services such as counseling and tutoring. This provides a nurturing environment which builds self-esteem as it prepares disadvantaged students for entry into STEM and licensed professions.
The Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) is a special program funded by the New York State Education Department.
Services
16 Saturday enrichment sessions at Suffolk County Community College:
- Science and science research (biology, Genomics/microbiology, physics, earth science, engineering, robotics, nursing/allied health)
- Math
- Communication skills
- Leadership
- Computer applications
- Career awareness
- Research program
- School-based "club" meetings
- Parents' Advocacy Group
Program Eligibility
Students accepted into the program must meet the guidelines of NYSED.
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; and
- 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 Criteria:
For the purpose of STEP, a student is economically disadvantaged if he or she meets the income eligibility criteria (2021-26 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).
Participating School Districts
Brentwood, Central Islip, Longwood, Patchogue-Medford, Riverhead and South Country.
More Information
For further information, please call the STEP office at (631) 451-4722.
