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Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP)

  1. Opportunity Programs
  2. Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP)

CSTEP's mission is to increase the number of students from under-represented groups who are pursuing professional licensure and careers in mathematics, science, technology and health-related fields.

CSTEP is funded by a grant from the New York State Education Department.

About CSTEP.

HEOP at Utica College

Eligible majors include:

  • Accounting
  • Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Criminal Justice (Pre-Law, Pre-Forensics, etc.)
  • Cybersecurity
  • Dietetics and Nutrition
  • Geoscience
  • Health Studies
  • Health Studies/Occupational Therapy
  • Health Studies/Physical Therapy
  • Mathematics
  • Math/Science Education (i.e. students who major in mathematics or sciences who are also enrolled in teacher education programs)
  • Neuroscience
  • Nursing
  • Physics
  • Psychobiology
  • Psychology
  • Psychology Child Life
  • Sociology and Anthropology (with a career goal of social work or other similar licensed profession)
  • Wellness and Adventure Education - Health and Physical Education (B.S. to M.S.)

African Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans qualify for the program, as do low-income Asian Americans and Caucasians as defined by the state's income guidelines (see economic criteria, under eligibility, below). CSTEP students receive careful guidance in their major from faculty members who lend their areas of expertise as academic advisers.

Program Services

In addition to tutoring, academic advising and counseling services, program students complete an internship in their chosen field, attend conferences and workshops that aid in preparation for the profession. Students receive some financial support to cover the cost of preparatory exams for graduate studies, licensure exams and registration fees for conferences/workshops. Students also gain practical experience through job shadowing, mentoring, and internships.

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

Program Details:

In order to apply for Utica University's CSTEP program, students must meet the following criteria:

  • NY State resident,
  • African-American, Hispanic, Native American or low-income Caucasian or Asian student (Caucasian and Asian students must meet income guidelines for eligibility)
  • declare and maintain a major in one of the CSTEP-targeted majors,
  • earned minimum GPA of 2.5 or better (for continuing students) with the understanding that your cumulative averages must be higher for competitiveness in your prospective field. (Note: We do not accept freshmen until after they have either completed at least one year and have declared a major in a CSTEP-targeted field or completed CSTEP Summer Institute.),
  • if students are pursuing a concentration such as pre-law or pre-med, they must be identified and currently working with the faculty advisors for those concentrations to be eligible for CSTEP consideration. 

Income Guidelines 

(Caucasian and Asian students only) 

The number of members of a household shall be determined by ascertaining the number of individuals living in the student's residence who are economically dependent on the income supporting the student.

For students first entering college income eligibility guidelines (2021-2022 Academic Year):

Number of Members in Household (incl. head of household)Total Annual Income in Preceding Calendar Year
1$23,606
2$31,894
3$40,182
4$48,470
5$56,758
6$65,046
7 $73,334
8$81,622

For each family member above 8, add $8,288

Note: Before applying for admission, be sure to review the eligibility requirements for CSTEP.

To apply for CSTEP at Utica, please take the following steps:

  1. Complete a CSTEP application. You can access the form here.
  2. Return the form to us.
    1. Scan and email to: Chris Sunderlin, CSTEP Assistant Director - OR -
    2. Fax to: 315-792-5287 - OR -
    3. Mail to: Office of Opportunity Programs, Utica University, 1600 Burrstone Road, Utica, NY 13502.
  3. Schedule an interview with program staff. 
  4. Freshman students are admitted directly into CSTEP if they attend the CSTEP Summer Institute the summer prior to their freshman year. (CSTEP Summer Institute attendance is by invitation only.) 

The CSTEP Summer Institute is designed to prepare students for the challenging and engaging coursework they will begin in the fall semester. The institute will bring together talented students and faculty for an exciting five-week program of coursework, scientific inquiry, and occasionally just plain fun. The program is scheduled for July through August. During that time students will live on campus in the Utica University residence halls and they will work in the laboratories and learn with faculty from the Biology, Chemistry, Education and Physical Therapy departments at Utica University.

These faculty have designed a curriculum filled with science activities ranging from anatomy to zoology. Imagine finding remains and trying to determine if they are human or animal, designing your own solar oven, or using chemistry to solve a crime! In addition, students will have the opportunity to get a head start on their mathematics requirements; there will be specialized math courses aimed to give students a head start beyond their mathematics placement level in the fall.

Students selected to participate in the summer institute receive funding for all housing, food and academic related expenses for the five-week program. Only students admitted to Utica University as first time students and have declared a CSTEP-targeted major, are eligible for participation in the CSTEP Summer Institute.

Summer Institute Student Handbook

Note: When the handbook is posted, you will need a valid Utica student login to view the file. If you do not already have one, go to http://password.utica.edu to activate your account or contact Opportunity Programs for more information.

Important CSTEP Forms:

CSTEP Research Internship form
CSTEP Contract Commitment form
CSTEP Event Evaluation form

Summer Institute Forms and Information:

Summer Institute Student Handbook

Contact Us

Kari Beane, M.Ed

Kari Beane smiles at the camera.

Kari Beane, M.Ed

Director of Opportunity Programs
(315) 792-3202
kabeane@utica.edu

Christopher D. Sunderlin

Chris Sunderlin, in red polo shirt, smiles at camera.

Christopher D. Sunderlin

Opportunity Programs' Assistant CSTEP Director
(315) 792-3287

Alyssa Hilgenfeldt

Alyssa Hilgenfeldt smiles at the camera.

Alyssa Hilgenfeldt

Opportunity Programs' Counselor/Tutorial Coordinator
(315) 792-3175
alhilgen@utica.edu

Florence Toimil

Florence Toimil smiles at the camera.

Florence Toimil

Opportunity Programs' Counselor/ HEOP Admissions Coordinator
(315) 792-3230
fatoimil@utica.edu

Dawn M. Cittadino-Santiago

Dawn Cittadino-Santiago

Dawn M. Cittadino-Santiago

Opportunity Programs Administrative Assistant
(315) 792-3209
dmcittad@utica.edu
Section Home HEOP Apply Now
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