Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP)

Supporting local middle and high school students preparing for college and careers in STEM

Cornell’s STEP mission is to support students as they prepare for college and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and the licensed professions. STEP aims to increase the number of marginalized students in these career fields. At Cornell STEP, we believe that a diverse group of problem solvers in STEM will develop creative solutions for the future. The Cornell Science Technology Entry Program (STEP) is grant funded through the New York State Education Department and hosted at Cornell University. STEP provides opportunities to explore STEM-related careers and prepare for the college admissions process in science, technology, engineering, and/or math and the New York State licensed professions. Through STEP, students receive one-on-one and small group advising as well as support connecting with local resources to explore careers in STEM and the licensed professions. STEP provides students with academic support such as tutoring and standardized test preparation. Through our grant, we also offer access to a variety of financially supportive services such as college application fee assistance/waivers, ACT/SAT fee waivers, FAFSA resources, and financial assistance workshops.

Participation

STEP serves students in the Ithaca City School District, specifically DeWitt Middle School, Boynton Middle School, Lehman Alternative Community School and Ithaca High School.

During the academic year, STEP offers the following activities and opportunities.

Academic tutoring
Academic advising/coaching
Small group sessions on topics related to academic success, college readiness, and career exploration
College admissions and application support
College application fee assistance/waivers
Research and internship programs
ACT/SAT fee waivers
Financial aid information
SAT/ACT prep
Career Planning/Exploration
College Visits
Scholarship Information

Apply

Eligibility

Based on criteria established by the New York State Department of Education, a student qualifies for STEP if they:

Are interested in pursuing a science, technology, engineering, math, (STEM) or licensed profession in college (for a list of NYS licensed professions see list at end of application).
Identify as a member of a historically underrepresented group in the STEM/NY licensed professions (Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino/a/x, or American Indian/Native Alaskan) AND/OR qualifies as economically disadvantaged as defined by New York State guidelines (see Family and Financial Information section of application).

Note: If your child currently qualifies for Free/Reduced price lunch, they are eligible for STEP.

Application

Please call our office at (607) 255-1309 or email step@cornell.edu, for more information about applying to STEP.

Stories and News

Local teens conduct outdoor design research through Cornell collaboration

Ithaca-area teens participating in the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) spent two weekends this fall identifying opportunities and solutions for making three City of Ithaca parks more accessible for older youth and young adults.