STEP at Fordham University

It’s never too early to start thinking about college and planning your career!

The Fordham Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) is an academic enrichment program designed to prepare junior high and high school students (grades 7-12) for college and careers in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields, health careers, and licensed professions, like accounting, law, psychology, social work among other licensed fields.

Since its inception in 1986, STEP has provided a structured, challenging curriculum aimed at fostering academic excellence and career readiness. The program is conducted at Fordham University's Rose Hill campus in the Bronx and Lincoln Center campus in Manhattan, with additional activities taking place at affiliated local schools and partner sites.

Take the Next STEP to Success! 

  • College Ready: STEP has a 100% college acceptance rate.
  • Exclusive Access: Gain access to Fordham University's campus during our summer and academic year programs.
  • Experienced Professionals: Benefit from instruction by Fordham’s esteemed faculty, graduate students, and experienced local high school teachers.
  • Inspiring Community: Surround yourself with a community of driven, like minded and motivated individuals who share a passion for learning and growth. 
  • Collegiate Pathways: Experience a smooth transition to the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) at Fordham and other New York state colleges with CSTEP programs.

 STEP Services

  • Enrichment classes and laboratories: Advanced work in STEM subjects (mathematics, science, computer science) and English.
  • Special lectures and workshops: Introductions to specialized fields in the health professions, computer science, engineering, law, and others.
  • Tutorials and study groups: Students may receive individual and group tutorials in all subjects.
  • Research: Opportunities to conduct scientific research and present findings to a panel of experts.
  • Career activities: Guest speakers, field trips, career testing, and conferences.
  • College counseling and support: Preparation for the SAT, academic, career, and financial aid support. Students receive individualized counseling for the college and high school selection process.
  • Cultural and recreational activities: Classroom academics are enhanced by field trips to colleges and universities, museums, research facilities, theaters, and other cultural institutions.

Are you an undergraduate student at Fordham University ? Check out our CSTEP Program. 

  • To complete the application in one sitting, please have the following documents available:

    • A scanned copy of your report card for upload (PDF, Word, or Image/Picture are acceptable)

    • A scanned copy of your high school transcript if you are in 11th or 12th grade

    • The complete name and email address of a math or science teacher that will provide a recommendation on your behalf. 

    • A Resume

    • Two short responses to the questions below. Each response should be a minimum of 150 and no more than 500 words. Students can type their responses in advance and copy and paste them into this document. Please see short answer questions below:

      • What is the biggest challenge you see in your community/neighborhood? How would you solve it?

      • Tell us why you want to pursue a STEM, health or licensed field.

    Note: Parents will have to provide an electronic signature to complete the application and indicate an understanding of the commitment to the STEP program.

  • To be an eligible applicant for the STEP program, you must:

    • Be a New York State resident 

    • Be a middle or high school student in grades 7th - 12th

      • 7th - 12th grade for Academic Year Program 

      • Rising 8th - 12th for Summer Program

    • Meet the income guidelines in Section I set by the New York State Education Department OR meet one requirement in Section II. 

    Section I

    You are considered economically eligible if any one of the following applies:

    1. Your parent/guardian’s 1040 Income Tax form (showing you as a dependent) meet the 2021–2026 STEP Income Eligibility Criteria, or;

    2. You qualify for free/ reduced lunch at your school based on family income (verified by the school), or;

    3. Your family receives public assistance (Family Assistance or Safety Net Assistance) through the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance or your county’s Department of Social Services, or;

    4. Your family receives family day-care payments through the NYS Office of Children and Family Services or your county’s Department of Social Services, or;

    5. You are in foster care or are a ward of the state.

    Section II

    1. Attend a Title I School: Check your school's Title I status here New York City Title I Schools or Outside of New York City Schools.

    2. Student resides in public housing (i.e. NYCHA)

    3. College Access Program participant: You participate or have participated in the following federal, or state, or nonprofit college access programs including: Science & Technology Entry Program (STEP), TRIO (Upward Bound & Talent Search), Liberty Partnership Program (LPP), or Prep for Prep/Prep 9

    • Submit a letter from the program administrator documenting enrollment
    4. Limited Access to Advanced STEM Coursework: Provide evidence that your middle or high school does not offer advanced coursework in science and mathematics. (For example, if your middle school does not offer Algebra, Living Environment or Earth Science.)
    • Submit a middle or high school profile
    5. Given the mission and purpose of STEP, describe how you would benefit from one or more of the STEP program resources or services. You may reference or discuss how you will not otherwise have access to the resources and services provided by the program. Essay response should be a minimum of 150 and a maximum of 300 words.

    6. You are the sibling of a current STEP scholar

     

    In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria above, students must also:

     

    • Be available for all dates of the program
    • Have an 85 average in Math and Science courses and overall good academic standing
    • Is there an application fee?
      • No, there are no fees to apply to the STEP Program.
    • Is there a cost to participate in the program?
      • Yes, there is a registration fee. Scholarships are available. 
    • Are there other opportunities available for my child once they enroll as a STEP Scholar?
      • Yes, students have access to the following program components
        • Priority seating for continuing students
        • Priority seating in Kaplan SAT Program
        • Data Science/Business Analytics Internship
        • Research Program with university faculty
        • Fordham University college credit bearing course
    • How are the days structured during the STEP Academic Year Program?
      • Saturdays Only- scholars will attend morning math and science classes followed by an elective class in the afternoon.
    • Are there other academic offerings if I am not taking a math or science class in the summer or academic year?
      • Yes, for students who either are not taking a math/science class in the summer or academic year or are taking a math/science class at school that STEP does not offer, there will be a course available for those students.
    • What is the attendance policy?
      • Due to the limited number of sessions, STEP scholars are required to be present for all sessions and classes. There is a limit of 2 excused absences before membership in program is jeopardized.