Science and Technology Entry Program

Activities

The following activities are open to all grades, 9 - 12, unless otherwise noted.

College & Career Exploration

College & Career Exploration is a series of college visits to campuses within the Rochester region and across New York State. Visits are scheduled throughout the year. Past visits have included Binghamton University, Ithaca College, Clarkson University, SUNY Potsdam, Syracuse University, St. Lawrence Univeristy, St. Bonaventure University, and others. These trips are open to juniors only. Non-juniors must be approved by the STEP Coordinator.

Inventors Club

Inventors Club is an after-school club for all STEP students interested in project based activities and competitions. In the past, projects have included lego robotics, bridge building, and information technology. Teacher-coaches work with students to complete projects and prepare them for academic competitions. STEP provides funding for materials, transportation to competitions and on-site coordination.

Saturday NOVA Academy & NOVA Summer Camp

Ten Saturday sessions are held during the school year on the RIT campus. Enrichment classes in Math and English and personal development sessions will be held in the morning. The afternoon sessions will include hands-on, project-based classes in the STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, and math). Past classes have included: imaging science, biotechnology, bioscience, mathematics, robotics, and computer game development. A similar session format for the Saturday NOVA Academy is held during the summer; however, instead of ten Saturday sessions, students attend a camp for one week. See the calendar for dates.

RoboWeekend

RoboWeekend is a two-day workshop run by RIT Engineering students to develop skills and teach students to build small robots. This is a great way to introduce and prepare students who are interested in robotics. STEP covers the registration cost.

Personal Development:
7 Habits for Highly Effective Teens

School based training sessions to teach goal setting, personal mission statements and other tools for success.

Mentoring

Activities are planned by RIT students to mentor STEP students. In the past, this has included students from North Star Academy, RIT Engineering students, and National Society of Black Engineers at RIT

Tutoring

Math tutoring will be available during the school day. Students can attend during a study hall or lunch. Contact the STEP Coordinator for the latest schedule.

Conferences and Competitions

STEP Annual Conference in Albany, NY

STEP requires students attending the conference to participate in the research project competition. Students work in teams and must present their project at the conference to a team of judges. All students attending must commit to twelve weeks of preparation to be eligible to attend the conference.

National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Conference

NSBE sponsers a conference (usually three days) for students interested in the engineering career fields. Students have the opportunity to attend workshops, network with college students and engineering professionals and learn about the many opportunities in the engineering field.

RIT College & Careers

Rising eleventh grade students are invited to attend the College & Careers two-day residential college exploration experience at RIT . Students have the opportunity to experience college life and explore a variety of programs in their area of interest. STEP covers all registration fees.

SAT Prep Classes

Two six-week sessions prior to the Fall and Spring SAT Testing dates. Classes held at school.

Senior Banquet and Graduation Gift

All eligible graduating seniors and their parents will be invited to an end of the year banquet. Students will be recognized for their accomplishments and presented with a gift such as a palm pilot.

Opportunities for other programs:

  • PRIS2M Program
Activities geared to students with a 3.0 GPA or better:
  • Math & Science Bowl
  • Leadership Building
  • Toastmasters
  • Internships
  • NSBE Jr. (National Society of Black Engineers)