CUNY SLU CAP Program In-Person Fall 2025
The Computational Activism Program (CAP) is an exciting opportunity for students in grades 11-12 to explore the power of data, research, and technology to make a difference in the world. Through hands-on projects, mentorship, and college prep, CAP helps students build confidence, discover their passions, and prepare for bright futures in science, technology, health, and beyond.
CAP is offered by the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU) in partnership with the New York State Education Department (NYSED). Through NYSED’s Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) funding, CAP is completely free for eligible students.
CUNY SLU Contact
step@slu.cuny.edu
646-313-8300
25 West 43rd Street, 19th Floor
New York, NY 10036
Partner Institutions Contacts
Clara Barton High School for Health Professions
Shari Farberman
sharifarberman@gmail.com
718-636-4900 x2057
John Adams High School
Mark Mullin
mmullin2@schools.nyc.gov
718-322-0576
Eagle Academy for Young Men of Southeast Queens
Dawn Story Rodgers
dstoryrodgers@eaglequeens.org
516-426-2973
Challenge Charter High School
Dr. Les Mullings
lslmullings@challengecharterschools.org
347-716-5911
Together, We’re Opening Doors for the Next Generation of Changemakers!
What Students Can Expect
- Build real-world skills in data science, research, and problem-solving
- Work on exciting research projects with scientists
- Get college and career guidance from mentors and experts
- Join a welcoming community of peers who are also eager to learn and grow
CAP at a Glance
The Computational Activism Program (CAP) is a free program for students in grades 11-12 who are curious, creative, and ready to make a difference. Through CAP, students learn how to use data, research, and creative problem-solving to tackle real-world issues and create positive change in their communities.
At CAP, students receive personalized academic support, like: college application help, skill-building workshops, SAT prep. In addition, there are plenty of exciting and enriching opportunities to explore topics like data science and investigate future careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Students will visit labs, libraries, and universities, connect with experts, and even present their own research!
Families are part of the journey too! We offer parent workshops, regular updates, and special events that celebrate student achievements.
How Do I Know if My Child Is Eligible?
CAP is open to students in grades 11-12 that are New York State residents and come from communities that are underrepresented in STEM (identify as African American, Latino, Native American, or Alaskan Native) OR meet the requirements for economic disadvantage status. A student is considered economically disadvantaged if a student’s household income is less than or equal to the income levels indicated below:
New York State Opportunity Programs Income Eligibility Criteria 2025-2026
| Members in household | Total Annual Income (including head of household) (2024) |
| 1 | $27,861 |
| 2 | $37,814 |
| 3 | $47,767 |
| 4 | $57,720 |
| 5 | $67,673 |
| 6 | $77,626 |
| 7 | $87,579 |
| 8 | $97,532 |
What Else Is Needed to Apply?
Students who are applying to CAP at SLU must submit a complete program application. Personal essays, report cards or transcripts, teacher evaluations, and income verification documents (for students claiming eligibility based on economic factors) are essential components of the application. We are unable to consider incomplete applications.
- Is there a cost for my child to participate?
No, CAP is completely free! We cover costs for materials and activities. - How can I support my child while they’re in the CAP program?
Your involvement is key! We offer parent workshops, progress updates, and family events to keep you in the loop.
How Do I Apply?
It’s easy, free, and we’re here to help! Please reach out to your school’s listed contact person to apply.
- Questions?
Contact us for more info via email step@slu.cuny.edu or call 646-313-8300
What's Coming Up in CAP at SLU
Here’s a look at some of the exciting activities and milestones CAP students and families can expect over the next few months. Dates and details may shift, but this gives you an idea of what’s ahead!
Winter 2025-26
- Welcome & Team Building – Start the year by meeting your peers and mentors through creative icebreakers that spark connection and curiosity.
- Library Research Adventure – Learn how to navigate research tools with a guided visit that turns information into power.
- Family Orientation Night – Join a special evening for families to connect with staff, ask questions, and plan together for the journey ahead.
Spring 2026
- Academic Bootcamp – Get support tailored to help with challenging coursework and Regents prep.
- Mentorship & Applications Kickoff – Begin planning for college with workshops on essays, applications, and setting goals.
- STEM Field Expedition – Step into a real-world learning environment (it could be a lab, museum, or tech space!) where science comes alive.
Summer 2026
- Presentation Power-Up – Practice sharing your ideas with confidence in hands-on communication workshops.
- Community Showcase – Celebrate the year’s achievements with presentations of student projects to peers, families, and guests.
- Pathways Planning – Explore next steps, college plans, internships, and opportunities to build on the summer’s success.
Frequently Asked Questions
For Students
Most CAP activities happen at your high school, led in partnership with your school’s liaison. Some learning experiences, like lab visits or college exploration may take place at CUNY SLU’s Midtown campus (25 W 43rd St) or off-site field trip locations.
Applications will be due in Winter 2026. Submit your materials by the deadline so your school liaison and the SLU team have time to review and place accepted students before programming begins. (Dates may be adjusted if a school’s calendar changes.)
You’ll receive your acceptance status from your high school liaison. Accepted students will be invited to a required orientation that covers expectations, schedules, and how to access support. You’ll also learn how space-limited opportunities (like SLU credit-bearing courses, specialized seminars, and field trips) are awarded on a merit basis, prioritizing students who engage consistently, meet deadlines, and produce strong work.
Programs run on weekdays after regular classes. Each partner high school sets its own schedule to align with bell times, space, and staff availability; your liaison will share the exact days and times.
Plan for about 6 hours per week, which typically includes after-school sessions plus short assignments, research tasks, and occasional events or trips.
Yes. CAP is cohort-based and builds skills week by week. Attendance and on-time arrival are required for all scheduled activities. Repeated absences can affect your standing in the program and your eligibility for space-limited opportunities.
Yes. Many students balance CAP with teams, clubs, jobs, and family responsibilities. Tell your liaison about conflicts early so we can help you map out a workable plan. Consistent attendance remains essential.
Yes. Expect short readings, reflections, skills practice (like data or research exercises), and steady progress on your culminating research project. Assignments are designed to support what you’re learning in sessions.
Not individually. The curriculum is sequenced to build critical thinking, research, and analysis skills leading to your completed research project. Schools may add occasional workshops or guest sessions based on student interest.
Some students will. Beginning in Year 2, up to 40 students per year will be selected for an SLU credit-bearing course, based on merit (coursework performance, engagement, and readiness) and space. Students must remain in good standing and meet any prerequisites.
Students who complete program requirements earn a Credly digital badge you can add to resumes, social profiles, and college applications. We are not offering college certificates at this time.
Yes. CAP at SLU is a two-year program. Most students enter as juniors and continue through senior year. Seniors who join in Year 1 follow an abbreviated/modified plan tailored to their timeline.
For Families
Your high school liaison is the main contact and will share updates by email, phone, or text. Families are invited to a required orientation each year and receive semester progress updates. SLU also hosts family-friendly events and resources to support student success.
Yes, orientation is required. Schools or SLU may schedule additional meetings or events (such as showcases, college info sessions, or trip briefings) where family participation is encouraged.
Encourage consistent attendance, help your child manage their schedule, and check in on assignments or research project progress. Attending family events and staying in touch with the liaison can also make a big difference.
Most sessions are held at your child’s school. For special events or field trips, transportation will be provided or coordinated by the program.
Snacks may be provided for after-school sessions. For field trips or all-day events, lunch will either be provided or students will be asked to bring one.
For Schools
Refer students through your school’s CAP liaison (listed on the program page) or contact the SLU CAP/STEP team at step@slu.cuny.edu / 646-313-8300 for assistance.
Absolutely. We welcome collaboration on research topics, classroom connections, guest speaking, and student showcases. Please reach out to your liaison or the SLU CAP/STEP team to coordinate.
Yes. The SLU team can visit your school to introduce the program, explain eligibility, and help with recruitment.
CAP offers rigorous, equity-focused enrichment that supports student engagement, academic skills, and college readiness, while also strengthening school-community-university connections.