What is STEP?
The Science & Technology Entry Program (STEP) is a statewide initiative that prepares historically underrepresented and/or economically disadvantaged high school students to pursue undergraduate degrees in STEM fields.
The program also challenges parents and educators to become involved in the process to support the development of our community of learners.
STEP is funded by the New York State Education Department.
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?
STEP participants must:
- Be enrolled in 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade at a Capital Region school
- Be economically disadvantaged and/or historically underrepresented in STEM careers and licensed professions (see below)
Defining Economic Disadvantage & Underrepresentation
To be eligible to participate in CSTEP and/or STEP, students must be economically disadvantaged and/or historically underrepresented in STEM careers or licensed professions.
The following groups are historically underrepresented in STEM:
- African American
- Hispanic/Latino
- American Indian/Alaskan Native
Economic disadvantage is measured through household income. Documentation is required.
| Number of dependents in your household | Eligible income for CSTEP/STEP (2024-2025) | Eligible income for CSTEP/STEP (2025-2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $26,973 | $27,861 |
| 2 | $36,482 | $37,814 |
| 3 | $45,991 | $47,767 |
| 4 | $55,500 | $57,720 |
| 5 | $65,009 | $67,673 |
| 6 | $74,518 | $77,626 |
| 7 | $84,027 | $87,579 |
| 8 | $93,536 | $97,532 |
If your household has more than eight dependents, please add $9,953 per dependent.
How do I apply?
Students who are interested in UAlbany STEP should apply online:
apply
Academic Year Program
You can submit the 2024-2025 Academic Year Program Application at any time.
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
Applications for Summer 2025 have not yet opened.
Who: Rising Seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth graders
When: Summer 2025 dates will be announced when they become available.
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
Applications for Summer 2025 have not yet opened.
Who: Rising ninth and tenth grade students
When: Summer 2025 dates will be announced when they become available.
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
Applications for Summer 2025 have not yet opened.
Who: Rising eleventh and twelfth grade students who have at least an 80% average, a B- average or a 2.5 GPA
When: Summer 2025 dates will be announced when they become available.
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.