RPI STEP [Science Technology Entry Program] is funded by a grant from the New York State Department of Education. Its mission to increase the number of economically disadvantaged students and others prepared to enter college and improve their participation rate in mathematics, science, technology, health-related fields, and the licensed professions. The program's initiatives focus on developing problem solving and critical thinking skills through a range of enrichment activities that include student development, leadership opportunities, career exploration, college preparation, internships, and parent workshops. RPI STEP activities occur after school, on Saturdays, and over the winter and spring breaks during the school year, and in the summer. RPI supports students entering grades 7 through 12 attending its partner schools listed below, as well as students who live in neighboring communities as space permits. RPI STEP is currently serving students in over 30 schools in the New York Capital Region.
- Troy Middle School and Troy High School
- Knickerbacker Middle School & Lansingburgh High School
- KIPP Troy Prep Charter School
STEP Resources
RPI STEP is a member of a vast community across New York State that seeks to engage middle and high school students in STEM activities that will make them college and career ready:
- Follow RPI STEP on Instagram.
- See what's on the Google calendar.
- New York State Education Department Office of Postsecondary Access, Support & Success - OPASS for STEP
- STEP programs across NY State (for students attending school in grades 7-12)
- C-STEP programs across NY State (for students who are interested in colleges which offer support services)
- APACS
Staff and Faculty
RPI STEP is always looking for enthusiastic college students, local middle and high school teachers and college faculty to lead the various programs it offers.
For more information on faculty and student positions, e-mail RPI STEP or call 518-276-3098.
Professional Staff and Teachers Associated with RPI STEP
Director: Cynthia Smith
Pre-College Adviser: Emma Innella
Program Coordinator: Rosie Dollard
Program Assistants: TBA
Path to Success Instructor: Mrs. Sciolino & Mrs. Culliton
Math Instructors: Ms. Kube, Troy School District
Greenhouse Coordinator: Ms. Hartshorne, Troy High School
Science Instructors: Mrs. Hartshorn and Mrs. Kuhn, Troy High School
ELA Instructor: Mrs. Culliton, Lansingburgh High School and Ms. Heald, KIPP Troy PREP Charter
Science and Technology Instructors: Mrs. Ciemny and Mr. Yarberry
Troy School District Guidance Contacts: Ms. Long and Ms. Shaw
Lansingburgh School District Guidance Contacts: Mrs. Secore and Mrs. Gallagher
KIPP Troy Prep Charter Middle School Contact: Ms. Heald
RPI College Student Groups Associated with RPI STEP
STEP Mentors
Coding && Community
VEX Robotics Club
National Organization of Minority Architecture Students [NOMAS]
National Society of Black Engineers [NSBE]
Engineering Ambassadors
Science Ambassadors