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K-12 programs

Committee on Diversity and Multicultural Affairs
Science and Technology Entry Program

 

Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP)

AMSNY Science and Technology Entry Programs (STEP) are rigorous academic enrichment programs for underrepresented, economically disadvantaged, or educationally disadvantaged students.  Since 1986, AMSNY STEP programs have targeted historically under-represented students in an attempt to increase their interest in science, technology and the health-related professions, as well as enhance and strengthen prerequisite math and science skills. The goal of the STEP program is to facilitate students’ entry to and graduation from college and health professions schools. Since the program’s inception, AMSNY STEP has provided academic enrichment for a total of 5,161 students. AMSNY STEP is the only statewide program.

 

The program is conducted at 10 medical schools in NYS:

  1. Albany Medical College
  2. Albert Einstein College of Medicine
  3. Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
  4. Mount Sinai School of Medicine
  5. New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
  6. New York Medical College
  7. New York University School of Medicine
  8. University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
  9. SUNY Downstate Medical Center
  10. SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

 

Each of the schools develops its own unique STEP program. The institutions provide intensive summer courses as well as afternoon or weekend classes during the school year. They all include a variety of the following components:

  •   Exposure to medical school environment and curriculum
  •   Career presentations from various health-profession fields
  •   Internships
  •   Participation in clinical and laboratory field experiences
  •   College counseling
  •   Personal counseling
  •   Academic/study skills, including Regent’s and SAT review
  •   Oral and written research projects
  •   Self-esteem
  •   Values and ethics exploration
  •   Multicultural development
  •   Social awareness development
  •   Field trips
  •   Parents Advisory Council (PAC)
  •   Commemoration: awards, scholarship & other successes

 

In addition, all of the programs provide academic enrichment classes that are specifically designed for high school students. Most are taught by medical school students or faculty – others are taught by faculty of the parent institution. Courses include:

  •   Cell physiology/histology
  •   Neuroscience
  •   Molecular biology
  •   Genetics
  •   Cardiology
  •   Organic Chemistry
  •   Pre-calculus/calculus
  •   Behavioral sciences
  •   Infectious disease
  •   English composition

The Day of Service was started in 2007 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of STEP. The goal of the Day of Service component is to provide information about the licensed professions to students who are not enrolled in STEP.

 

More information about STEP in New York State

 

 

The Physician Career Enhancement Program at Staten Island University

The goal of the Physician Career Enhancement Program at Staten Island University is to provide ongoing guidance, support, and referral for the underserved high school students.  The students are tracked through their remaining high school years, college experience, medical school, residency, and entrée into the medical profession.  Of the 111 students who have graduated from the program, 92 are currently being tracked.There are 19 program graduates who are in or applying to medical school.