Graduating Seniors/ Alumni: click here for the CSTEP survey (or fill it out online)
The Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) provides minority and/or economically disadvantaged students with the opportunity to explore scientific, technical, and health-related professions. This experience allows students to build the solid academic foundation necessary to achieve their goals to enter licensed professions.CSTEP assis ts students in improving academic skills development, making course work more manageable.Participants of CSTEP programs benefit from the educational experience, which contributes to a higher retention rate in their chosen field of study.
CSTEP is a student support services program sponsored by the New York State Department of Education and offered by Cora P. Maloney College, located in the Capen Hall of the State University of New York at Buffalo Amherst Campus. The goal of CSTEP is to improve the academic status of the minority and/or economically disadvantaged students who historically have been underrepresented in the scientific, health, health-related, technical and law professions.
CSTEP provides both supportive services and activities for its students who are majoring in or intend to major in disciplines which lead to licensed professions or certification by the Board of Regents. These professions include:
Support Services
To attract and retain more minority and/or economically disadvantaged students in the scientific, technical, health, health-related and law professions, CSTEP offers and/or supports the following:
Tutorial Assistance
Tutorial Assistance is available to all CSTEP students at no charge. Assistance is offered in a variety of courses. CSTEP has identified specific academic courses as consistent problem areas for minority students. In health-related professions: anatomy, biology, organic chemistry, pharmacology and physiology. In engineering: physics, mechanics, chemistry for engineers and calculus. Also offered throughout the year are group sessions before mid-terms and finals. Group tutorial sessions provided through the CADS tutorial lab are provided for courses which involve large numbers of CSTEP students.
Paid Internships
CSTEP offers students the opportunity to complete internships. The internship provides students with research experience or community service opportunities. The CSTEP Coordinator works with students to identify faculty members or organizations on or off c ampus, to serve as mentors in areas related to their field of study. Students may intern for up to 10 hours per week for which they will be compensated by CSTEP.
Specialized Course
GSE 155 - METHODS OF INQUIRY: This course will focus on strategies to assure effective learning in each discipline. Students will learn how to respond to lectures and reading materials actively; to predict examination questions; to write clear, well-organized papers; and to study effectively and efficiently.
For more information, please visit the Course Schedule web page.
Special Activities
Professional workshops, seminars, speakers, and field trips are offered to broaden students' awareness of trends in careers and career development.
Extracurricular Activities
Throughout the academic year CSTEP offers students enrichment activities, providing well-rounded educational experiences.
Lectures
Each semester CSTEP invites licensed professionals to participate in symposia and lectures for students. These invited speakers give students the opportunity to listen to and exchange ideas on a variety of topics related to career development and work experiences.
Trips/Tours
Trips/tours are planned each semester to broaden the students' awareness of what is available in his/her field. These trips/tours also provide students with a better understanding of what a particular profession entails and the work environment.
Student Participation
CSTEP students are required to attend monthly meetings designed to keep students informed of CSTEP services and activities. Students must also meet regularly with CSTEP advisors to develop and monitor their educational progress each semester. In addition, students are advised to use the CSTEP tutorial program and the University Career Planning and Placement Office.
Eligibility
Minority and/or economically disadvantaged students who are majoring in or intend to major in the high demand areas which include: Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics, Computer Science, Accounting, Management, Health and Related Professions, Natural Sc iences, Legal Studies and other majors which may lead to licensed professions are eligible to participate.
Graduating Seniors and Alumni
Please fill out this survey.
Acker Scholars
CSTEP supports Acker Scholars interested in the licensed professions. Daniel Acker Scholars Program, a component of Cora P. Maloney College, is an individualized program for academically talented students. During admission to the University, forty students with high SAT scores and high school averages are selected to participate each year.
Contact Information
Shanna Crump-Owens
Please visit the Contact page to get information on how to contact us.