Science & Technology Entry Program (STEP)
Overview
The program gives 7th-12th grade students in the Ossining, Peekskill, Tarrytown, and other local school districts opportunities to explore licensed professions in the scientific, technical, health, and health-related fields. STEP also encourages students to pursue the education and training necessary to enter these fields. Serving students since 1987, Mercy University's STEP helps to increase the number of historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students prepared to enter college, and improve their participation rate in these fields.
Program Services
STEP consists of academic year and summer components including:
- Summer Academic Camp
- STEP Saturday STEM Enrichment Classes
- After School Programs
- Conferences and Workshops
- Tutoring Services
- Counseling Services
Why Join Mercy University STEP?
- Core subject instruction/Regents exam preparation
- Career awareness/professional development activities
- Supervised research training- STEP Science Research Program
- Receive up to 9-college credits
- SAT & ACT preparation
- Internship search support
- Attend college visits and fairs
- Assistance with the college application process
- Access to a network of thousands of students and alumni statewide!
Apply to STEP
Program Eligibility
- Students enrolled in grades 7-9 can apply. Once accepted, students remain in the program until they graduate from the 12th grade.
- Economically disadvantaged, or African American, Hispanic/Latino, Alaskan Native or American Indian; and will benefit from academic enrichment.
- Black or African American. A person having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa.
- American Indian and Alaska Native. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America (including Central America) and who maintains tribal affiliation or community attachment.
- Hispanics or Latinos are those people whose origins are from Spain, the Spanish-speaking countries of Central or South America, or the Dominican Republic. People who identify their origin as Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino may be of any race.
- For the purpose of STEP, a student is economically disadvantaged if he or she meets the 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).
STEPAC (Parent Advisory Council)
The STEP Parent Advisory Council (STEPAC) is a parent/guardian-formed council. STEPAC advocates for the delivery of quality programs for students in STEP. STEPAC also promotes the education of STEP students through various activities such as student cultural and enrichment programs, educational field trips and organizing parent forums.
The council meets on the third Thursday every month and all STEP parents/guardians are expected to participate. Committee options include the events committee and two fundraising committees, one for English and Spanish-speaking families. Families gather at annual events including the annual holiday potluck, STEP award ceremony, and the STEPAC picnic.
Contact Us
Mercy University Contacts
Julie A. Arias
Director of CSTEP/STEP
Phone: (914) 898-3241
jarias1@mercy.edu
Brianna Cauthen
STEP Assistant Director
(914) 898-3302
bcauthen@mercy.edu
Heidi Barton
STEP/CSTEP/HEOP Administrative Assistant
(914) 674-7627
hbarton@mercy.edu
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