SUNY Canton Awarded $170,000 for CSTEP

CANTON, NY (07/03/2015)(readMedia)-- SUNY Canton has received a grant that will support students who are interested in pursuing careers in science, math, technology and health-related fields.

A $170,000 grant from the New York State Education Department was awarded to the college to continue the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) on campus, which began in 2012.

"This grant will ensure the valuable programs we have been able to offer during the past four years, such as academic advisement, research and internship opportunities, tutoring, and career workshops, will remain in place for the next five years," said Stacia R. Dutton, SUNY Canton's CSTEP director. "We'll also be able to offer assistance with graduate school exam preparation costs and admission application fees."

CSTEP is a scholars program designed to prepare minority and economically disadvantaged students for careers in scientific, technical, engineering, mathematical, health-related and licensed professions. The program emphasizes academic preparation and achievement, as well as career awareness. Eligible students must be in good academic standing, enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program at the college and a New York State resident.

The program is free for students since costs are covered by the Education Department and SUNY Canton. Once students are accepted, they must maintain a grade-point average (GPA) of 2.0 or above, meet with a CSTEP administrative member monthly, and attend and participate in at least one CSTEP or related event per semester.

Dutton noted that community service is also an important component of the program. "Many of our students provide tutoring to local middle and high school students and provide campus tours to those who may be interested in attending SUNY Canton," she said. "They also visit local schools and give presentations on topics related to their academic field and encourage younger students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, math and healthcare."

Dutton added that 75 students took part in the program during the last four years. The new grant will provide funding for 85 students.

For more information, contact Dutton at (315) 379-3804 or cstep@canton.edu. Letters of interest can be sent to Stacia R. Dutton, CSTEP Director, 34 Cornell Dr., Nevaldine North 105, Canton, N.Y. 13617.

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York's premier college for career-driven bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in engineering technology, health, management and public service. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses, as well as ten exclusively online bachelor's degrees. The college's 14 athletic teams compete as provisional members of the NCAA Division III and the USCAA.

-www.canton.edu-