STEP Academic Year Program
The Fordham University Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) Fall 2026 Program is currently accepting applications and will run from Saturday, October 17th - December 5th, 2026.
During the program, STEP scholars will receive the following services:
- Academic enrichment for the math and science classes students are currently taking in school.
- Exposure to STEM-related (science, technology, engineering, and math), health, and other licensed professions.
- Mentoring and tutoring from Fordham undergraduate students.
- Advising and preparation for the academic and social rigors of high school and college life.
- Opportunities to interact and build community with other STEP scholars.
A modest registration fee is required for all accepted students. Scholarships are available to all students. Please see FAQ below for more details.
Rose Hill
Time: 9:15 a.m. - 1:40 p.m.
Days: Saturdays
Location: 441 E Fordham Rd, Bronx, NY 10458
Application Deadline: Monday, October 12th, 2026
Lincoln Center
Time: 9:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Days: Saturdays
Location: 113 W 60th St, New York, NY 10023
Application Deadline: Monday, October 12th, 2026
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To complete the application in one sitting, please have the following documents available:
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A scanned copy of your report card for upload (PDF, Word, or Image/Picture are acceptable)
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A scanned copy of your high school transcript if you are in 11th or 12th grade
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The complete name and email address of a math or science teacher that will provide a recommendation on your behalf.
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A Resume
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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:
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What is the biggest challenge you see in your community/neighborhood? How would you solve it?
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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.
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To be an eligible applicant for the STEP program, you must:
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Be a New York State resident
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Be a middle or high school student in grades 7th - 12th
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7th - 12th grade for Academic Year Program
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Rising 8th - 12th for Summer Program
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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:
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Your parent/guardian’s 1040 Income Tax form (showing you as a dependent) meet the 2021–2026 STEP Income Eligibility Criteria, or;
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You qualify for free/ reduced lunch at your school based on family income (verified by the school), or;
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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;
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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;
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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
- Submit a middle or high school profile
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
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- 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
- Yes, students have access to the following program components
- 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.
- Is there an application fee?