STEP is a New York State Department of Education grant-funded enrichment initiative designed:

• to foster academic excellence
• to nurture students' preparation for college
• to cultivate student independence
• to enhance students' college experience
• to increase awareness and opportunities for historically underrepresented, economically disadvantaged youth in math, science, technology, and health related fields
• for those seeking professional licensure
• for those in pre-professional or professional undergraduate study

STEP students will:

• be open to new experiences in regard to their future opportunities in college and in math, science, health, technology and in licensed professions.
• participate in internships, job shadowing, weekly tutorial services, research projects for poster presentations, monthly professional speaker series, college visits, academic/personal/career advisement, counseling, and workshops and seminars. Eligible participants must be members of historically underrepresented populations: African-American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American/Alaskan or economically disadvantaged; a U.S. citizen or permanent New York State resident; maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5.

STEP offers many programs and services that students can benefit from:

Advisement and Mentoring

Students have opportunity to seek advisement and guidance in the following areas:

• academic success and struggles
• career planning
• personal advice
• financial consultation

Workshops include:

• personal assessment
• paying for college
• resources for financial aid
• career assessment
• goal setting
• personal growth
• academic advising for school and college courses

Tutorial Assistance and Mentoring

Assistance in academic studies such as Biology, Chemistry, Algebra, Geometry, US History, English, and Global Studies, Individual and group tutoring sessions with experienced and exceptional instructors both at the high school and college levels.

Objectives

• Increased confidence in academic studies and in study skills
• Preparation for Regents exams
• Preparation for SAT and ACT
• Increased awareness of college class and lab facilities on campus
• Increased exposure to the college community and resources

Workshops

• resume writing and interview strategies
• stress and time management
• college and career exploration
• strategic learning
• personal assessment
• college application
• internship search
• technology and computers

The STEP Professional Speaker Series introduces students to outstanding community leaders and experts in the math, health, science, and technology fields.
Other events include: volunteer food drives, college visits, research projects.

Objectives

• Increased awareness in STEM fields and professions
• College and Career Preparation
• Increased involvement in personal and future goals
• Opportunity to learn different skills applicable to college and future career

Internship and Job Shadowing

Students will be able to experience an opportunity to shadow a professional in the STEM, health, or licensed proffesion fields as well as participate in an internship.

Objectives

• Opportunity for a hands-on experience in a professional environment
• Opportunity to experience a career in a specified field of study
• Increased awareness of job opportunities
• Meet professionals and experts in a specified field
• Connect with people and members in the community

CSTEP is a New York State Department of Education grant-funded enrichment initiative designed to foster academic excellence, cultivate student independence, enhance students' college experience, and increase awareness and opportunities for historically and economically underrepresented college students:

• Pre-professional or professional undergraduate study
• Math, science, technology, and health related fields
• Professional licensure

Designed for college students whose majors are in the fields of science, math, engineering, technologies and health care, CSTEP provides historically underrepresented, economically disadvantaged college students with activities to facilitate academic excellence and nurture students as they progress through their college study.

CSTEP Scholars are successful because they take advantage of the resources available to them including:

• Specialized tutoring
• Mentoring
• Presentations
• Career exploration
• Educational field trips
• Academic competitions
• Service projects 
• Internships and workshops
• Research
• Networking
• and much more!

From a freshman summer program, to conducting research, to participating in local internships and presenting at conferences (including the CSTEP StateWide Conference), our students become strong leaders and highly competitive individuals either when transferring to a four-year college or university, or seeking employment. 

• If you are interested in this journey, please call, email, or stop by our office and we will gladly speak to you about CSTEP.

CSTEP Provides you with a supportive and experienced CSTEP advisor that will help you realize your academic, physical, social, financial, and professional goals. Together you'll create your own personal blueprint for lifelong satisfaction and professional growth.

CSTEP Benefits: 

• Support and guidance through college
• Academic and professional workshops
• Transfer college exposure and assistance
• Laptop loan program
• Faculty mentor/advisor for guidance and support
• Internship/Research in area of study
• Opportunity to earn book money and tuition assistance each semester
• Various supplies available to students for either rental or keep
• Books, notebooks, folders, nursing supplies, calculators, study guides, etc.
• NYS nursing exam assistance
• Transfer fee and transcript fee assistance
• Opportunity to attend state-wide conference
• Meet new people and become part of a family
• Have fun while becoming a professional

Eligible CSTEP Scholars must be:

1)Be a New York State Resident

2)Be a member of the underrepresented target populations (African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American/American Indian, Asian/Pacific Islander) OR Be economically disadvantaged (for income eligibility guidelines. Income documentation must be provided by Caucasian and Asian students only)

3)Be a full time student at a CSTEP-targeted STEM or Licensed Professions at MVCC (Other licensed professions covered by MVCC CSTEP)

4)Have or maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50

5)Commit to fully participate in CSTEP events and activities