Release

University at Albany Receives $350,000 from NYS Department of Education to Assist Ethnically Underrepresented Students

Contact: Catherine Herman (518) 437-4980

ALBANY, N.Y. (July 12, 2006) -- The New York State Department of Education has granted University at Albany Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) and Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) $350,000 to assist in bringing ethnically underrepresented students into the study of science and technology.

The purpose of CSTEP is to help ethnically underrepresented college students maintain their interest in the sciences. The parallel program STEP is to establish math and science activities in assisting ethnically underrepresented local middle and high school students with their interest in science careers. Both programs are run by the State Education Department in conjunction with 87 public and private colleges across the state, serving over 9,000 middle and high school students and college undergraduates.

"New York's STEP and CSTEP programs are a tremendous asset in statewide efforts to close the achievement gap," Said Education Commissioner Richard Mills said, "Students who might not consider a career in math, science or engineering are getting early support to meet the challenges through STEP and CSTEP."

Established in June of 1986 through the passing of a New York State Legislative amendment to the education law that authorized the use of public funds, these two University at Albany programs have been providing academic enrichment and research experience in science, mathematics and technology at the University. More than 3,300 participants have entered higher education math, science, technology and licensure qualifying programs through STEP. More than 9,200 STEP graduates have enrolled in college and about 92,000 historically underserved and disadvantaged students benefit from the program. Some 3,000 underrepresented and disadvantaged students participate in CSTEP annually, and more than 70 percent of the students matriculate in science, technology and health related fields. On average, more than 15 percent of CSTEP graduates enter licensed professional careers.

"These funds will enable us to provide the services that are needed in order to meet the goals that we have outlined in our mission and purpose statement, and that is to encourage all underrepresented minorities in the areas of science, math, technology, and education to pursue an advanced education and/or careers that lead towards professional licensure." said Marc A. Carter, the Program Coordinator of CSTEP and STEP.