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 historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students 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
- Tamarac Middle School and Tamarac 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 have graduated high school and attend these colleges)
- 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
Program Coordinator: Rosie Dollard
Program Assistants: Charley Bertolino and Cassidy Harvey
Path to Success Instructor: Mrs. Sciolino
Math Instructors: Ms. Kube, Troy School District
Greenhouse Coordinator: Ms. Hartshorne, Troy High School
Science Instructors: Ms. Peter, Lansingburgh High School, Mrs. Hartshorn and Ms. Sparacin, Troy High School
ELA Instructor: Mrs. Culliton, Lansingburgh High School
Science and Technology Instructors: Mrs. Ciemny and Mr. Yarberry
Troy School District Guidance Contacts: Ms. Riley Long and Ms. Shaw
Lansingburgh School District Guidance Contacts: Ms. Crawford-Young and Ms. Sacco
Brunswick School District Guidance Contacts: Ms. Dowling Ryan, Ms. Collins and Ms. Fulgan
College Student Groups Associated with RPI STEP
Coding && Community
VEX Robotics Club
National Organization of Minority Architecture Students [NOMAS]
National Society of Black Engineers [NSBE]
Engineering Ambassadors
Science Ambassadors