Mohawk Valley Community College recently was awarded nearly $1.5 million for the next five-year cycle of the College’s Science Technology Entry Program (STEP) through the New York State Education Department’s Office of Higher Education. The program, heading into its 16th year, will be able to fund 160 students, double the number of students the previous cycle funded.

STEP works to encourage underserved high school students to pursue careers in STEM fields and licensed professions through peer mentoring, tutoring, standardized test preparation, college visits, workshops, and educational field trips.

“MVCC is thrilled to have received the STEP grant once again, this time increasing the number of students we can help,” said Stephanie Reynolds, MVCC Vice President for Student Affairs. “Our commitment remains firm to prepare students to enter college, and our staff will continue the successful model of working with each individual student to improve their participation rate in science, technology, math, and health-related and licensed professions.”  

As part of the 2019-2020 program, MVCC STEP students have participated in a variety of research projects and leadership opportunities, which include attending the annual Project Fibonacci STEAM Conference; completing MVCC’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy and Student Leadership Academy; and participating in the Magnet Bridge, P-TECH, College Connection, and Jump Start programs. One student also earned a Presidential Scholarship, allowing them to attend MVCC tuition-free.

Students who are eligible are New York State residents, members of an underrepresented population (African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American/American Indian, or Asian/ Pacific Islander) or are economically disadvantaged; and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA.