Purpose

Increase the number of students from under-represented groups who are pursuing professional licensure and careers in mathematics, science, technology and health-related fields.

For a list of Professions Licensed, Registered, or Certified by the Board of Regents please visit the Office of Professions at http://www.op.nysed.gov/

Program Services

• CSTEP provides academic enrichment and research experience in STEM content areas.
• Projects consist of academic year and summer components including:
  • Supervised training in research methods
  • Graduate/professional school admissions preparation
  • Standardized tests preparation
  • Academic and career development activities

Institutional Eligibility

• Competitive grants are awarded to postsecondary institutions and/or professional schools

Student Eligibility

• New York state resident
• African-American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian or Alaskan native
• Economically disadvantaged (Institutions must assure that no more than 20% of all CSTEP students are concurrently enrolled in a state-funded opportunity program)

Importance of CSTEP in the current economy 

Most alumni live in New York State and work in high paying STEM, health, and licensed fields that contribute to our tax base. STEM, health, and licensed professionals are vital in meeting the needs of the 21st-century economy and job market in our nation. STEM fields are vital to the economic recovery of our state and nation. 

Preparing for the Future 

During the 2021-2022 academic year, (even with the onset of the pandemic and forced cancellation of many events) CSTEP and STEP served an additional 16,500 non-STEP/CSTEP students in grades K-12 through our statewide CSTEP/STEP Day of Service. The annual Day of Service is a statewide event whereby current C/STEP students and staff meet with non-C/STEP students to share with them the benefits and challenges of pursuing careers in STEM, health, and the licensed professions.