The Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) is designed to increase the number of economically disadvantaged students who are pursuing professional licensure and careers in mathematics, science, technology and health-related fields.
Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program
CSTEP
94.1%
Students that indicated they were engaged in some kind of experiential learning in Spring 2025 . All students said they believe experiential learning is beneficial to their educational experience.
88.2%
Students enrolled in CAS 102 CSTEP Seminar.
80%
Students that participated in CSTEP Student Advisory Board Events.
100%
Students that indicated they were satisfied or highly satisfied with CSTEP programming and staff.
Benefits of Participating in CSTEP
- Valuable information to assist you in your journey through college and beyond
- Involvement in a community of scholarship with peers
- Access to select CSTEP services which includes stipend money
- Book stipends
- Emergency stipends
- Transportation for internships
- Etc.
- Attendance to conferences and other travel opportunities, with all expenses paid by CSTEP
- Access to resources and staff that are only available to CSTEP students.
- Gain valuable volunteer experiences on campus and off campus
- Opportunities to attend networking and professional development events
- Mentoring program
- Access to funds to assist with completing research with SUNY Oswego faculty and staff
- Connecting you to CSTEP Alumni and community players
- Student Advisory Events sponsored throughout the year!
- Gaining leadership opportunities if selected as a Student Advisory Board member
- Advocating at the state and national level for CSTEP programs and STEM
Responsibilities of CSTEP Students
- Regular attendance
- Attendance in CAS 102
- In-person
- Online
- Regular attendance is attending 75% or more of meetings.
- Tutoring can substitute for a CAS 102 meeting
- Individual or group tutoring scheduled with help from CSTEP staff
- Attendance in CAS 102
OR
- Regular meetings with CSTEP staff
- Regular meetings will be determined by each individual staff member for students that are not able to attend any CAS 102 meetings
Student Application
At this time, we are no longer accepting applications for CSTEP for 2025-2026. Check back for the 2026-2027 school year!
Eligibility
In accordance with State Education Department (SED) guidance, student eligibility determinations are based on indicators of economic disadvantage, in alignment with applicable state and federal guidelines. To be eligible for SUNY Oswego’s CSTEP program, students must be:
- A U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- A New York state resident (for at least 12 months)
- Enrolled full time at SUNY Oswego
- Have a GPA of 2.5 or above for students at SUNY Oswego for two semesters or more
- Interested in pursuing a career in STEM or a New York state licensed profession (such as law, social work, counseling, or accounting).
What majors qualify for CSTEP?
Students who are interested in pursuing a career in STEM or a New York state licensed profession (such as law, social work, counseling, or accounting) are welcome to apply. Students majoring in areas not listed below who are planning to pursue a licensed profession are also welcome to apply. For example, philosophy students planning to go to law school or English majors planning to go to medical school would be welcome.
STEM majors include:
- Adolescent Education in any STEM field of emphasis
- Applied Mathematics
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Cognitive Science
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Geochemistry
- Geology
- Information Science
- Mathematics
- Meteorology
- Physics
- Zoology
Additional majors that may provide a pathway to a licensed profession may include, but are not limited to:
- Accounting
- Human Development
- Psychology
- Wellness Management
CSTEP Stipend Application
All stipend applications are reviewed by a committee to determine eligibility. Potential funding amounts will differ annually, based on budget. Contact [email protected] with any questions.
Types of stipends that current SUNY Oswego CSTEP students can apply for:
CSTEP Emergency Fund Stipend
In alignment with the goal of CSTEP to provide students with services or financial assistance to support their education in pursuit of a career in STEM and license professions, CSTEP will award students an emergency fund stipend. The purpose of this stipend is to assist CSTEP students that are currently experiencing extreme financial hardship that will interfere with the attainment of educational goals. Examples of hardship may include:
- Family emergencies
- Personal emergencies
- Graduate school testing fee
- Graduate school application fee
- Other circumstances not listed that will be considered, on a case by case basis.
CSTEP Outstanding Service Stipend
In alignment with the goal of CSTEP to support participation of students in service to the community, CSTEP will award students an outstanding service stipend. The purpose of this stipend is to award students that have participated in service beyond the expectation of the program objectives.
CSTEP Showcase Stipend
In alignment with the goal of CSTEP to provide students with professional development opportunities, the SUNY Oswego CSTEP program will award student stipends for those students who present in the annual Showcase event. The purpose of this stipend is to provide funding to offset costs associated with developing the presentation to include; supplies, research time, and materials. All students that present at the annual showcase, should apply for this stipend.
CSTEP Peer Mentor Stipend
In alignment with the goal of CSTEP to promote services that engage the students in academic enrichment and professional development opportunities, CSTEP will award stipends to students that participate as CSTEP Peer Mentors. The purpose of this stipend is to award students that have served as a CSTEP Peer Mentor for a semester. Awards will be determined by funds allowed by budget year and the number of mentees assigned.
CSTEP Research Stipend
In alignment with the goal of CSTEP to promote services that engage the students in academic enrichment and professional development opportunities, CSTEP will award stipends to students that participate in research opportunities.
CSTEP Research Stipends are awarded each semester to students who participate in research labs on-campus.
Our Students
At CSTEP, we are thankful to have such determined, hard-working, and compassionate students. They work diligently throughout the academic year to achieve their personal goals and excel on campus. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and are pursuing a multitude of career paths. They enrich our program with a diverse community that learns and grows together. At any given time throughout the year, you can find our students hanging around our office. Whether it's studying or catching up with friends, CSTEP is a safe space for everyone.
I am beyond grateful for everything this program has given me. I hope it stays with Oswego for many years to come, and I plan on staying engaged even after I am no longer a student.
CSTEP showed me the power of community and support. Being around driven students with similar backgrounds made me feel seen and motivated. The mentorship and resources helped me grow and pushed me to pursue opportunities I once thought were out of reach. Most of all, it taught me to give back; something I carry into every leadership role I take on.
I like the CSTEP program because it provides resources that will help me in the future. Thinking about my future career and the next steps after undergrad was overwhelming. After joining CTSEP, I became aware that there are a plethora of resources, and people, I can contact that will help make the process easier and less overwhelming.
You guys helped me through my toughest time in college. Helped connect me to many people and gain more experience. I'm so grateful for being apart of this program. It really did feel like family.
{CSTEP taught me} that anything is possible if you put your mind to it, and that I have people I can depend on when the going gets rough! Thank you for everything, I could not have done it without you guys!
Visit Us
CSTEP at SUNY Oswego
Shineman Center
Room 398, Floor 3L
30 Centennial Drive
Oswego, New York 13126
Contact Us
Phone Contact: (315) 312-4903
Director: Christina Vasquez
Assistant Director: Stephanie Wallace
Email Contact: [email protected]
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