What is CSTEP?
The Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP), funded by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), is a program intended to increase access to economically disadvantaged students to academic programs at the college level in scientific and technical fields.
The Vaughn College CSTEP program began in fall 2020 and intends to serve 88 students at any given time, enrolled full-time in bachelor’s degree programs in STEM majors.
Learn more about Vaughn’s Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program below.
CSTEP Eligibility, How to Apply, Program Benefits and Frequently Asked Questions
Students who are eligible for CSTEP must be:
- A New York State resident
- Enrolled full-time (a minimum of 12 credit hours) in one of the following A.A.S or B.S. programs:
- AAS – Aeronautical Engineering Technology
- AAS – Electronics Engineering Technology – Avionics
- BS – Aircraft Operations
- BS – Electrical Engineering
- BS – Electronics Engineering Technology – Avionics
- BS – Electronics Engineering Technology
- BS – Mechanical Engineering
- BS – Mechatronic Engineering
- BS – Mechanical Engineering Technology
- BS – Computer Engineering/Science
- Meet the income guidelines set by the New York State Education Department.
If you are interested in applying to the CSTEP program, stop by the CSTEP office in A133 to fill out an application.
Questions? E-mail cstep@vaughn.edu
Economic Guidelines Table for 2025-2026
New York State Education Department C/STEP and HEOP Income Eligibility Criteria
| Household Size | 2025-2026 Eligible Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $27,861 |
| 2 | $37,814 |
| 3 | $47,767 |
| 4 | $57,720 |
| 5 | $67,673 |
| 6 | $77,626 |
| 7 | $87,579 |
| 8 | $97,532 |
Economic Guidelines Table for 2026-2027
New York State Education Department C/STEP and HEOP Income Eligibility Criteria
| Household Size | 2026-2027 Eligible Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $28,953 |
| 2 | $39,128 |
| 3 | $49,303 |
| 4 | $59,478 |
| 5 | $69,653 |
| 6 | $79,828 |
| 7 | $90,003 |
| 8 | $100,178 |
CSTEP provides comprehensive academic and professional support, including:
Academic Support
CSTEP provides academic support to help students succeed in their STEM courses. This includes tutoring, skill-building workshops, study strategies, and guidance on challenging subjects such as mathematics and science. These resources help students strengthen their academic foundation, improve problem-solving skills.
- Tutoring in math, science, and engineering courses
- Academic workshops (e.g., Algebra for STEM Readiness)
- Academic advising and degree planning
Professional Development
CSTEP provides professional development opportunities that help students prepare for successful careers in STEM fields. Through workshops, networking events, résumé and interview preparation, and career exploration activities, students gain the skills and confidence needed to pursue internships, research opportunities, graduate school, and professional careers.
- Career readiness workshops (e.g., CNC workshop, FE Exam)
- Resume and interview preparation
- Networking opportunities with professionals and alumni
Research and Career Opportunities
Research and career opportunities help CSTEP students gain hands-on experience in their field of study while developing important professional skills. Through internships, undergraduate research projects, and conference participation, students can build their resumes, expand their professional networks, and better prepare for graduate school or careers in STEM and licensed professions.
- Undergraduate research opportunities
- Internships in STEM industries
- Conference participation and academic presentations (e.g. NSBE, SWE, SHPE, WIA)
Community and Mentorship
CSTEP provides a supportive community where students can connect with peers, faculty, and mentors who understand the challenges of pursuing STEM degrees.
- Faculty and peer mentorship
- Leadership development
- Community-building events and student engagement activities
Frequently Asked Questions
If Vaughn’s CSTEP program has availability, all transfer students from other CSTEP programs are eligible to join CSTEP at Vaughn College pending they meet the eligibility requirements.
Even if you were not enrolled in CSTEP at your previous institution, you can still apply.
Review the program requirements for acceptance. (Please note that for high school graduates a 3.0 cumulative GPA is required for acceptance.)
Complete the application, attach your high school transcript, proof of residency and your 1040 tax form.
If you know of students who would qualify or be interested in CSTEP, please send their contact information to CSTEP@vaughn.edu.
If you are looking to submit a professional reference on behalf of a CSTEP student applying to the Research Program, please email CSTEP@vaughn.edu.
Visit here for more information about NYSED-CSTEP.