Cornell Launches STEM Prep Initiative for Select Ithaca Public School Students
Cornell University is launching a new program designed to prepare middle and high school students for higher ed academic careers in science, technology, engineering and math fields.
Dubbed the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP), the new initiative "is a pre-college program for historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students, designed to prepare them for entry into postsecondary degree programs in scientific, technical and health-related fields and the licensed professions," according to a news release from the university.
Cornell STEP will select 99 student applicants from Ithaca High School, Boynton Middle School and DeWitt Middle School, each of whom will receive college and career preparatory services, such as academic enrichment and research experience, fully funded by the New York State Education Department.
Other benefits STEP students will receive include:
- Access to collegiate and community opportunities;
- Weekly tutoring services;
- Bimonthly progress meetings;
- Monthly Saturday academies; and
- Access to financial support services.
Cornell STEP is the result of partnerships between the university's Public Service Center, its Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives and the Ithaca Public School District. More information is available at psc.cornell.edu/STEP.
About the Author
Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at [email protected].