STEP Academic Year Program

The Fordham University STEP 2026 Academic Year Program will be a Saturday academy for 7th through 12th graders at both the Rose Hill (The Bronx) and Lincoln Center (Manhattan) campus throughout the fall and the spring.

If you would like to sign up for information regarding the STEP Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 program, please register for updates below:

INFORMATION REQUEST FORM

 

A modest registration fee is required for all accepted students. Scholarships are available to all students. Please see FAQ below for more details.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact:

 

 

 

  • 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.