The Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) at the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies supports middle and high school students from underrepresented backgrounds in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and licensed professions. Funded by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), CUNY SLU’s STEP initiative provides academic enrichment, mentoring, and college access programming to prepare students for educational and professional success.
Contact
step@slu.cuny.edu
646-313-8300
25 West 43rd Street, 19th Floor
New York, NY 10036
Why STEP at CUNY SLU?
As part of CUNY’s only college dedicated to labor and urban studies, SLU combines academic rigor with a deep commitment to social change. With support from city and state education initiatives, SLU STEP prepares students not just for college—but for leadership in their careers and communities.
Partner Schools
The CUNY SLU STEP Program partners with New York City high schools that serve diverse, historically underserved communities and share a strong commitment to academic achievement and college readiness. These partnerships support students through a combination of skill-building, mentoring, and exposure to real-world research and career pathways. Our program serves students from the following New York City high schools:
- Eagle Academy (Queens)
- Clara Barton High School (Brooklyn)
- Challenge Charter High School (Far Rockaway)
- John Adams High School (Queens)
CUNY SLU STEP Program Highlights
The STEP program at CUNY SLU is completely free for participating students and families. It is generously funded by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), which supports initiatives that expand access to science, technology, and licensed professions for historically underserved and economically disadvantaged students.
- Flexible format: Includes a four-week summer session and 10-week fall and spring sessions
- Skill focus: Reading, writing, math, critical thinking, and data literacy
- Capstone project: Students complete a research project addressing a local or global issue
- College prep: Support with applications, standardized test prep, and career exploration
- Industry partnerships: Includes seminars with Brookhaven National Lab on big data
As part of the STEP experience, students will earn college credit by enrolling in Statistics for Social Change, a course designed to build statistical literacy through the lens of social justice. Students explore real-world data related to political, economic, and community issues while learning essential concepts such as probability, hypothesis testing, linear regression, and data visualization. This course empowers students to critically analyze information and use data as a tool to understand and address complex social challenges, preparing them for both college-level coursework and careers in research, public policy, and technology.
Student Eligibility Requirements
Following are the eligibility requirements for the STEP program.
- Be in grades 7–12
- Live in New York State
- Identify as economically disadvantaged and/or be from a historically underrepresented group in STEM and licensed fields. A student is considered economically disadvantaged if the student’s household income is less than or equal to the income levels indicated in the New York State Education Department C/STEP & HEOP Income Eligibility Criteria table.
- Demonstrate interest in science, math, technology, health, or professional careers
- Submit a completed application with the most up to date report card or a transcript
- Good record of attendance
- No record of behavior issues
New York State Education Department C/STEP & HEOP Income Eligibility Criteria
| Household Size | 2025–2026 Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $27,861 |
| 2 | $37,814 |
| 3 | $47,767 |
| 4 | $57,720 |
| 5 | $67,673 |
| 6 | $77,626 |
| 7 | $87,579 |
| 8 | $97,532 |
| Each additional person, add | $9,953 |
STEP FAQ
Yes. The STEP program at SLU is completely free for all eligible students. It is funded by the New York State Education Department and is designed to remove financial barriers for students interested in science, technology, and licensed professions.
The STEP program at CUNY SLU is made possible with funding from the New York State Education Department (NYSED). CUNY SLU is committed to nondiscrimination and equal access for all participants.