What is STEP?
Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) is designed to increase the number of economically disadvantaged students who are pursuing undergraduate degrees in mathematics, science, technology and health-related fields.
What opportunities does STEP offer?
STEP encourages students to achieve in a technological setting, introduces them to a variety of career options and provides them opportunities to meet higher education and STEM professionals.
We offer various programs for 7th through 12th grade students from the Capital Region. Many UAlbany STEP participants are Albany City School District students.
STEP students can participate in a variety of opportunities during the summer and academic year, including:
- Academic enrichment and character development activities
- College courses
- Annual statewide STEP conference
- College and career visits
- Community service
- Tutoring
- College admissions counseling
- Internships and research
- Mentoring
- Regents exam and SAT preparation
Learn more about each of our current programs.
Who is eligible?
In accordance with State Education Department (SED) guidance, student eligibility determinations are based on indicators of economic disadvantage, in alignment with applicable state and federal guidelines. To be eligible for UAlbany’s STEP program, students must be:
- A U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- A New York state resident (for at least 12 months)
- Demonstrate economic disadvantage (outlined in the New York state income eligibility guidelines)
- Have a GPA of 2.5 or above
- Interested in pursuing a career in STEM or a New York state licensed profession (such as law, social work, counseling or accounting)
How do I apply?
Students who are interested in UAlbany STEP should apply online:
apply
Academic Year Program
Academic Year Program
UAlbany is not currently accepting STEP applications.
Who: Seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth grade students
When: Saturday programs are generally held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on UAlbany's Uptown Campus. After-school programs are generally held from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Monday through Thursday at local middle and high schools.
What: Students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, which may include:
- College fairs and information sessions
- Tutoring and homework help sessions
- SAT prep courses
- Credit-bearing UAlbany in High School course
- Competitive projects and research
- Science workshops
- Wellness and social activities
- Special events
COVID-19 Safety: The program will follow all University and CDC guidelines. Rules are subject to change as guidance is updated.
ACE / Pre-CORE Summer Program
ACE / Pre-CORE Summer Program
UAlbany is not currently accepting STEP applications.
Who: Rising seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth graders
When: July 7 to 25, 2025
What: Students will participate in activities, workshops and presentations related to STEM, college and career readiness, and wellness and academic support. STEP will provide buses to and from campus and for any field trips, lunch, any necessary supplies and technology, and a program t-shirt.
Compensation: Students who are city of Albany residents can be compensated through the city’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), if eligible. Note: Students who are eligible for SYEP must apply for the program separately. If accepted, they must request to be assigned UAlbany STEP as their site.
COVID-19 Safety: The program will follow all University and CDC guidelines, and rules are subject to change as guidance is updated.
Summer Bridge Program
Summer Bridge Program
UAlbany is not currently accepting STEP applications.
Who: Rising ninth and tenth grade students
When: July 7 to 25, 2025
What: Students will participate in academic support and enrichment activities. STEP will provide lunch each day, as well as buses to and from campus. The Summer Bridge Program is jointly run by UAlbany STEP and the Albany City School District.
Compensation: Students who are city of Albany residents will be compensated through the city’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), if eligible. Note: Students who are eligible for SYEP must apply for the program separately. If accepted, they must request to be assigned UAlbany STEP as their site.
COVID-19 Safety: The program will follow all University and CDC guidelines, and rules are subject to change as guidance is updated.
CORE Summer Program
CORE Summer Program
Applications for Summer 2025 have closed.
Who: Rising eleventh and twelfth grade students who have at least an 80% average, a B- average or a 2.5 GPA
When: July 7 to 25, 2025
What: Students will participate in a three-week residential program — living, working and studying on campus from 4 p.m. Sunday through 5 p.m. Friday each week. The program entails:
- A 1-credit UUNI 103: College Transitions course on college readiness and financial literacy (returning CORE students will take an alternative 1-credit course)
- 12 hours of SAT Reading prep and 12 hours of SAT Math prep
- A Library Research Skills class
- A placement in a University or government research lab, where they will be mentored by a faculty or professional staff member and an undergraduate student
- Study time, wellness activities and social activities
STEP will provide:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks each day
- Transportation to and from campus
- Transportation and from research lab placements, site visits and field trips, if applicable
- Any necessary supplies and technology
- A program t-shirt, bag and padfolio
Compensation: Students who are city of Albany residents can be compensated through the city’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), if eligible. Note: Students who are eligible for SYEP must apply for the program separately. If accepted, they must request to be assigned UAlbany STEP as their site.
COVID-19 Safety: The program will follow all University and CDC guidelines, and rules are subject to change as guidance is updated.