What STEP Offers
What is the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP)?
The Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) provides academic support services and enrichment activities to students in grades 7–12. Students acquire the skills necessary for entry into pre-professional degree programs in scientific, technical and health-related fields through hands-on activities that have real life implications. STEP provides in-school tutorials and a Saturday Learning Academy/Enrichment Program which is comprised of advising, counseling, academic instruction, a computer science enrichment program, tutorials, mentoring and other academic services such as field trips, workshops and cultural awareness programs.
How can a student become a part of the STEP Program?
Complete an application and return it to the STEP Office. Applications will be accepted on a first-come first serve basis until all spaces have been filled. Applicants must meet all guidelines and requirements before being admitted to the program.
What are the requirements and guidelines for admittance into the program?
In order to be eligible for the program students must:
- Be a New York State resident.
- Be a member of a historically underrepresented or economically disadvantaged group.
- Have a Social Security Number (This number is only used for our funding agency—the New York State Education Department.)
- Be enrolled in grades 7 thru 12 and taking math and science courses.
- Have an overall GPA of 75 or better.
- Have and maintain a 75 or better average in math and science courses.
- Regularly attend and participate in STEP activities such as the Saturday Learning Academy/Enrichment Program, tutorials and field trips.
- Arrive at STEP session on time and ready to participate with applicable assignments/materials.
- Conduct themselves in a manner conductive to their own learning, and to the learning of others.
- Have transportation to and from STEP activities.
When and where does the program meet during the academic year?
The STEP Program takes place on Saturday Mornings in Huntington Hall on Syracuse University’s campus from 10:00am – 1:00pm from October to May of each year. Huntington Hall is the building directly across from the Sheraton Hotel.
Does the program provide transportation for its participants?
Students must have reliable transportation to and from activities (i.e. Saturday Learning Academy/Enrichment Program and Tutorials) sponsored by the STEP Program. Centro bus tokens will be available for any student needing transportation to and from the program at no cost.
What are some of the Academic Services offered to students?
In an effort to prepare our students for the rigorous demands of an academic future, STEP adopted a holistic approach to learning by placing special emphasis on hands-on activities with real life implications. The Saturday Learning Academy/Enrichment Program parallels and reinforces course work found in the conventional academic setting. Students will spend the academic year learning about computers, math, science, and language arts in addition preparation for the SAT preparation and New York State standardized exams.
What are some of the Enrichment Activities offered to students?
STEP strives to provide its students with a caring and nurturing environment that is conducive to learning. Enrichment activities were developed to increase students’ awareness about college and career opportunities both inside and outside of the University. In order to foster such an environment, STEP relies on the assistance of professionals from Syracuse University faculty, staff and undergraduates, the community at large and from other educational institutions within the State.
Can my child receive tutorials?
As participants in the program, students can take advantage of math and science tutorials. After school tutorials take place two afternoons each week in area high schools from approximately 2:45pm – 4:45pm. After school tutorials are also available at selected middle schools during the year. Saturday Tutorials begin at approximately 12:45pm – 2:00pm following the Saturday Learning Academy in Huntington Hall. These services are provided to the students at no cost.
What programs are offered during the summer?
Who are the academic instructors and tutors?
Academic instructors consist of administrators and staff members from Syracuse University. Graduate and undergraduate students pursuing degrees in the scientific, technical and health-related field also serve as instructors. Undergraduate and graduate students work as tutors during the academic year.
