Jefferson Receives CSTEP Grant Renewal to Support Underrepresented STEM Students Through 2030

Jefferson Community College (JCC) is proud to announce that its Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) has once again received funding from the New York State Education Department for the 2025–2030 grant cycle.

This competitive grant supports JCC’s continued efforts to increase access, retention, and success for students from underrepresented backgrounds who are pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), health and licensed professions. The renewed funding ensures the college can provide vital academic support services, professional development opportunities, and hands-on enrichment activities for the next five years.

“The renewal of Jefferson’s third CSTEP grant reflects our deep commitment to education, career opportunities, and student success,” said Gabrielle Thompson, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs at JCC. “Through CSTEP, we are empowering students to break barriers, pursue their passions in STEM health, licensed professions, engineering, law, technology and more to become leaders in their fields. We’re excited to continue this important work over the next five years.”

“CSTEP has been a transformative program for many of our students,” said Katie Corbin, Coordinator of CSTEP at JCC, “This renewed funding allows us to continue preparing underrepresented students for success in high-demand fields where diverse perspectives and talent are greatly needed.”

At Jefferson, CSTEP scholars benefit from personalized academic advisement, mentoring, tutoring, research and internship opportunities, professional workshops, and transfer assistance to four-year colleges. Participants also attend statewide CSTEP conferences and STEM exploration events, gaining exposure to advanced fields and networking with professionals and peers.

Since its inception at JCC in 2006, CSTEP has helped students build strong academic foundations and pursue pathways to careers in medicine, engineering, law, technology, and beyond. The program is open to full-time students who are New York State residents and belong to historically underrepresented groups in STEM or who are economically disadvantaged, and who have a demonstrated interest in pursuing a CSTEP-targeted profession.

Amanda Hugelmann, JCC CSTEP participant, said, “The SUNY Jefferson CSTEP program has been a fundamental aspect of my academic success on my educational journey to becoming a dental health professional. Through services such as tutoring, financial assistance opportunities, professional, academic, and networking opportunities, as well as unwavering support, CSTEP gave me everything I needed and more to thrive and achieve my goals.” 

For more information about Jefferson’s CSTEP program, contact the CSTEP office at (315) 786-2396 or email cstep@sunyjefferson.edu.