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 2021-2022 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 one-week learning opportunity through classroom instruction, educational field trips and mentoring by Union College students. Students attend workshops presented by Union College faculty and local professionals on a variety of STEM topics.
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Academic Year STEP
Union College faculty and local professionals offer a variety of STEM workshops and field trips to students during the academic year. Typically, three to five events are scheduled each college trimester. During the week, students can receive individual tutoring sessions or attend weekly SAT and ACT prep classes.
Current Students
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Free Tutoring
Sign up here: Tutoring Request Form
Get one to one 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.
Please note: tutors are not guaranteed. Tutors are assigned based on availability.
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Free SAT and ACT Classes
Sign up here: SAT/ACT Class Sign-up Form
Review and prepare for the SAT and ACT exams in a small-group setting with a college student mentor.
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.
Academic Credentials
B.S., St. Lawrence University; M.S., Castleton University
Phone: (518)-388-7101
Email: trigonik@union.edu
Lydie Kengne; Assistant director of STEP
Lydie Kengne was named STEP Assistant Director in April of 2021. She is a graduate of Siena College where she obtained her B.A. in Political Science and a Certificate in Community Development. She is also a recent SUNY Albany graduate where she earned her Master’s in Educational Policy and Leadership. Lydie has a strong background of serving those who are economically and educationally disadvantaged through educational programs. Lydie was a Bonner Service Leader student at Siena College where she developed a pilot after school program for middle school students. She spent the last four years developing her skills as an educational leader by assisting under-served population at Hudson Valley Community College Capital District Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) where she wore many hats in the Enrollment Management Services. Lydie is passionate about making a difference and changing lives through education and community development. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling back home to Cameroon to visit her beloved extended family and do charity work.
Academic Credentials: B.S., Siena College; M.S., SUNY Albany
Phone: (518) 388-6943
Email: kengnel@union.edu