Science & Technology Entry Program (STEP)
Overview
The program gives middle and high school students in the Ossining, Peekskill and Tarrytown 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.
Program Services
To increase the number of historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students prepared to enter college, and improve their participation rate in mathematics, science, technology, health related fields and the licensed professions. STEP provides academic enrichment in science and mathematics content areas.
Projects consist of academic year and summer components including:
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Core subject instruction/Regents exam preparation
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College admissions counseling
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Standardized tests preparation
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Career awareness/development activities
STEP Improves Student Readiness:
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Enriches science and mathematics instruction
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Provides laboratories for supervised training in research method
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Conducts summer programs
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Provides standardized test preparation and practice
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Assists students with the college application process
Apply to STEP
New Student Application and Returning Student Application
*These are current 2022-2023 academic year applications. Summer 2023 Program Applications coming soon!
Important Dates
September 15
Admission deadline for academic year
June 15
Admission deadline for summer program
Program Eligibility
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Enrolled in Grades 7-12
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Economically disadvantaged, or African American, Hispanic/Latino, Alaskan Native or American Indian; and will benefit from academic enrichment.
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Black or African American. A person having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa.
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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.
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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.
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For the purpose of STEP, a student is economically disadvantaged if he or she meets the . 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.
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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:
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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;
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The student is living with foster parents and no monies are provided from the natural parents; or
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The student is a ward of the State or a county.
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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. 
Student Resources
While getting the right education and training will help you get a better-paying job, going to college or career school is a big investment in time, money, and effort. Make sure to take your time and research your options.
The O*NET Interest Profiler can help you find out what your interests are and how they relate to the world of work. You can find out what you like to do.
The O*NET Interest Profiler helps you decide what kinds of careers you might want to explore.
Take time to explore career options before you begin your program of study at college or career school.
Use the Career Search to find potential careers using the keyword search, or browse by industry. If you’re not sure what you want to do, use the interest profiler to answer a series of questions that will match your interests with potential careers. For each career, you’ll get information on
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What people in this career do on the job;
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The types of knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the career;
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The level of education usually needed;
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The average annual salary; and
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The expected demand for this career in the future
Contact Us
B´ÎÔª Contacts
Julie A. Arias
Director of CSTEP/STEP
Phone: (914) 898-3241
jarias1@mercy.edu
Serena Stevenson
STEP Coordinator
(914) 674-7699
sstevenson7@mercy.edu
Brianna Cauthen
STEP College & Career Coordinator
(914) 898-3302
bcauthen@mercy.edu
Heidi Barton
STEP/CSTEP/HEOP Administrative Assistant
(914) 674-7627
hbarton@mercy.edu