Program Overview

Introduction to the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP)

The Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) is designed 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 Benefits

STEP improves student readiness by:

• Enriching science and mathematics instruction
• Providing laboratories for supervised training in research methods
• Conducting summer programs
• Providing standardized test preparation and practice
• Assisting students with the college application process

BMCC STEP

BMCC STEP provides NYC students in the 9th through 12th grades who meet the eligibility requirements with a range of academic enrichment courses, research experience, and special programs in science, mathematics, and technology content areas.

BMCC STEP Sessions

BMCC STEP runs for three sessions every year:

• Fall (October – December): 10-12 weeks on Fridays, 3 – 7 p.m.
• Spring (February – May): 10-12 weeks on Fridays, 3 – 7 p.m.
• Summer (July – August): 5 weeks Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m – 3 p.m. Meal tickets (for full lunch) and Metro cards are provided to participating students.

BMCC STEP Components

BMCC STEP offers a variety of academic enrichment opportunities every session, including:

• STEP classes: Fridays, Doors open at 3 p.m., Classes from 4-7 p.m. STEP classes are designed to help students gain enrichment in STEM subject areas by providing hands-on, activities-based projects.
• STEP test prep: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2-6 p.m. STEP will help students prepare for college admissions, ACT, PSAT, SAT, and REGENT exams.
• STEP workshops: Help students get information about STEM degrees and professions, as well as college admissions preparation.
• STEP research: Schedules arranged with mentors provide students the opportunity to engage in actual STEM research in BMCC's state-of-the-art science laboratories under the guidance of BMCC college students and faculty.

BMCC STEP Research

Fall research pairings will be made in mid-October. Applicants must have completed applications to be considered (including an essay, recent transcript, recommendation, and any other required documents). To participate in a BMCC STEP research project, students must:

• Have a 3.0+ GPA
• Submit a teacher or guidance counselor recommendation
• Commit to a full year of research and dedicate at least two hours per week to research

STEP Annual Conference

Selected STEP participants travel to Albany, NY in March every year to participate in this academic STEM conference for STEP participants, which includes:

• Weekend conference
• Keynote and selected speakers
• Info Sessions: STEM fields, college entry, etc.
• Research poster and robotics competitions