The Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) is a New York State grant-funded program that was designed to prepare historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students to enter college and increase participation in math, science, technology, health-related fields, and licensed professions. Union College has been awarded the STEP grant since 1994 to partner with local schools and provide high-quality STEM instruction to students enrolled in the program.
All STEP services and resources are offered at no cost to participants. For more information please email STEP@union.edu.
Program Highlights
- Academic Tutoring and Mentoring
- SAT/ ACT Prep
- STEM and Healthcare Profession Workshops
- Field Trips and College Visits
- Research Opportunities
- Summer Programming
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Academic Year 2022-2023 Application
Applications for Academic Year STEP are accepted on a rolling basis.
Prospective Students
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Eligibility Requirements
To enroll in STEP, students must be:
- A New York State resident
- Enrolled in Grades 7-12
- A member of a historically underrepresented group (as defined by NYSED): African-American/Black, Latino/Hispanic or Native American/Alaskan Native
OR - Economically disadvantaged as per the NSYED Income Eligibility Criteria
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Summer STEP
Summer STEP offers students a learning opportunity through classroom instruction, hands on activities, educational field trips, and mentoring by Union College students. Students will also attend workshops presented by Union College faculty and local professionals on a variety of STEM topics. This is a day program experience and will run during weekdays.
2023 Summer STEP Dates:
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Academic Year STEP
Opportunities Include:
Tutoring and Mentoring
- Virtual and In-Person Opportunities
- Kaplan Live Online SAT Prep Opportunities
Discovery Programs
- STEM Workshops Presented by Union College Faculty, Staff, Students and STEM Professionals
- STEM Field Trip Opportunities
- College Visits
Research and Curriculum
- STEM Research Opportunities
- Curriculum Taught by Union College Professors
Guardian Series
- Workshops Provided for the Guardians/Family to Answer Higher Education Questions
- College Admissions Directors
- Opportunity Program Directors
One on One Family/Student Meetings
- Discussion of Goals
- Academic Mentoring
- Time Management Skills
- College Application Process
Current Students
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Academic Support Services
- Get one to one academic support in any subject(s) needed. We will do our best to match you with a good-fit tutor to help you with homework completion, test preparation and study skills development.
- Receive SAT prep classes with Kaplan Live Online (students in grades 10-12).
- Senior Meetings - Juniors and Seniors can request a family meeting to talk about goals after STEP.
Please note: tutors are not guaranteed. Tutors are assigned based on availability.
Staff
Kevin Trigonis; Director of STEP
Kevin Trigonis was named Director of STEP in March of 2021 and has been a part of the Union College Community since 2018. Prior to being involved with STEP he worked with and mentored students in high school and higher education, coaching collegiate athletics. Kevin has worked at multiple colleges and universities within the Northeast and Midwest. He and his family reside in Round Lake.
B.S., St. Lawrence University; M.S., Castleton University
Phone: (518)388-7101
Email: trigonik@union.edu
Heather Heider; Program Coordinator of STEP
Heather Heider joined the Union College STEP team in August of 2022. She comes to Union College from Fulton-Montgomery Community College STEP. Heather’s educational background is in Zoology and Physiology. She and her family moved to the Capital District in 2019 from Pocatello, Idaho.
B.S., University of Wyoming; MTD, Idaho State University
Phone: (518)388-6943
Email: heiderh@union.edu