CSTEP

The Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) at SUNY Old Westbury is a New York State Education Department–funded initiative designed to increase the number of economically disadvantaged students who are pursuing professional licensure and careers in mathematics, science, technology, and health-related fields.

CSTEP’s mission is to promote academic excellence, build long-term career development skills, and provide enriching pre-professional experiences that prepare students for success in their chosen fields. Our program is designed to support and empower participants through comprehensive services offered during both the summer and academic year. These include a wide range of support resources such as:

Academic enrichment and supplemental instruction
Professional development workshops and seminars
Opportunities for supervised research and industry internships
Guidance on graduate and professional school admissions
Participation in academic conferences and scholarly activities

CSTEP is committed to helping students develop the knowledge, confidence, and skills necessary to thrive in competitive professional environments.

To explore the full list of New York State licensed, registered, or certified professions, please visit the NYS Office of the Professions.

How to Apply

Applications for CSTEP are accepted on a rolling basis. Students may complete the online application via the link below, if a PDF is needed please email CSTEP@oldwestbury.edu, or to fill out a physical copy please come to Woodlands Hall 5 Room 149.

Student Eligibility:

In accordance with State Education Department guidelines, student eligibility determinations are based on indicators of economic disadvantage in alignment with applicable state and federal guidelines.

Students must meet the following criteria:

New York State Resident
Must be enrolled as a full-time student
Majoring in and/or pursuing a licensed profession (accounting, social work, psychology, law, math/science education, etc.), Medical/health-related profession or a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field.
Good Academic Standing
Economically disadvantaged (https://www.nysed.gov/sites/default/files/income-eligibility-criteria-2…;)

The following will be required for application review:

Completed application form
Unofficial Transcript (must be submitted every semester)
Documentation confirming economically disadvantaged status is required for all applicants. Said economic disadvantage documentation would be a copy of the student’s FAFSA and/or a signed copy of all applicable and most recent tax returns (IRS form 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ or 4506). The economic eligibility standards set forth apply only at the time of admission as a first-time student to a CSTEP program.

CSTEP Application

Benefits of Joining CSTEP

Campus Store Stipends worth up to $400 each semester
Supplemental Academic Advising
Resources for local, statewide, & International Internships with private corporations and government laboratories
Paid Research & Internship opportunities on campus and off-campus
Employment, scholarship or educational references
Participation in statewide, national conferences, & international conferences
50-80% discount with Kaplan Test Prep
Graduate/professional school admissions preparation & financial support
Academic Enrichment & Career Exploration seminars
Special skills & personal development workshops
One-on-one & group tutoring in chemistry, biology & physics
Summer enrichment program for incoming freshman
Peer mentoring program for first-year students
Service Learning Activities

CSTEP Member Expectations

Meet with your CSTEP Coordinator at least once a semester (required to receive bookstore stipend).
Must remain in good academic standing
Submit an unofficial transcript to the CSTEP office each semester
Be an active participant in the planned workshops and activities by attending a minimum of four CSTEP events each semester.
Maintain a CSTEP major or career path
Develop and maintain an academic plan
All students are strongly encouraged to participate in an internship or research activity prior to graduation.
All students are strongly encouraged to participate in Service Learning activities when possible.
Complete end-of-semester survey each semester
Complete exit survey upon graduation

Unless otherwise noted, all Spring 2024 Workshops will be held
DURING COMMON HOUR, 1:30-2:30PM, In Person!

Date	Workshops, Seminars, and Activities	Presenter(s) and Location

CSTEP offers Individualized and Group Tutorials for the following: Basic Biological Sciences I and II, Principles of Chemistry I and II, Organic Chemistry I and II, Structures of Physics I and II and General Physics I and II.

No appointments necessary, just walk-in/drop-in.
In Person Tutoring will take place in the Tutoring Center- Campus Center H201, during designated times.

For more information or assistance, please contact the CSTEP Program at cstep@oldwestbury.edu