STEP Academic Year Program

New York State resident students in grades 7 to 12 must meet one of two eligibility criteria to be considered for the Fordham Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP). 

• Belong to a minority group underrepresented in scientific, technical, health-related and licensed professions.
  • The state of New York has designated Black/African Americans, Hispanics/Latinxs, Native American Indians, and Alaskan Natives as members of such groups.

OR

• Meet the income eligibility requirements established by the state of New York if the applicant student is not a member of an underrepresented minority group.
  • The gross family income limits for applicants who do not belong to an underrepresented minority group are listed in this income eligibility table. 

Contact Fordham STEP for more information.

Thank you for your interest in the Fordham University STEP Program. To complete the application in one sitting, please have the following prepared in advance:

• A scanned copy of your most recent report card for upload (PDF, Word, Image/Picture are acceptable).
• The complete email address of a math or science teacher that will complete a recommendation form on your behalf.
• Two short responses to the questions below.  Each response should be a minimum of 150 and no more than 500 words.
  1. What is the biggest problem that you see in your community/neighborhood? How would you solve it?
  2. What do you hope to gain from being a part of the Fordham STEP Program?
• Resume

Note: Parents will have to provide an electronic signature to verify the facts of the commitment to the STEP program.

• Is there an application fee?
  • No, there are no fees to apply to the STEP Program.
• Is there a cost to participate in the program?
  • Yes, a registration fee of $150.00, along with an annual $20.00 parent association fee for accepted students per semester. Scholarships are available for families upon request. Families are encouraged to inquire with STEP staff for the scholarship application. 
• Are there other opportunities available for my child once they enroll as a STEP Scholar?
  • Yes, students have access to the following program components
    • Priority seating for continuing students
    • Priority seating in Kaplan SAT Program
    • Data Science/Business Analytics Internship
    • Research Program with university faculty
    • Fordham University college credit bearing course
• How are the days structured during the STEP Academic Year Program?
  • Saturdays Only- scholars will attend morning math and science classes followed by an elective class in the afternoon.
• Are there other academic offerings if I am not taking a math or science class in the summer or academic year?
  • Yes, for students who either are not taking a math/science class in the summer or academic year or are taking a math/science class at school that STEP does not offer, there will be a course available for those students.
• What is the attendance policy?
  • Due to the limited number of sessions, STEP scholars are required to be present for all sessions and classes. There is a limit of 2 excused absences before membership in program is jeopardized.