The Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program at Wells

CSTEP at Wells
Collegiate Science and Technology Education Program (CSTEP) at Wells College is an initiative of the New York State Department of Education designed to increase the number of students from underrepresented groups who are pursuing professional licensure and careers in health-related fields, science, technology, and mathematics.

Mission

CSTEP exists to provide an attractive, supportive, engaging, and enriching pathway to personal development and professional accomplishment in the scientific and technical fields including preparation for licensed professions for historically underrepresented minorities and/or economically disadvantaged students.

CSTEP provides academic enrichment and research experiences in STEM content areas
Projects and supporting services include academic year and summer components such as:

Supervised training in research methods
Graduate/professional school admissions preparation
Standardized tests preparation
Academic and career development activities
Access to Academic Support Services

Student Eligibility for CSTEP

New York State resident
African-American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian or Alaskan native and/or economically disadvantaged

Selection Criteria

The applicant must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident, a New York State resident (one year or more) who is either: economically disadvantaged or from a minority group historically underrepresented (Black, Hispanic, American Indian or Alaskan native) in the scientific, technical or licensed professions, and who demonstrates interest in and a potential for a professional career if provided special services.

The applicant must intend to be a full-time student (12 or more credit hours) and intend to pursue a major/career in the STEM fields and/or licensed professions. Applicants are required to provide a declaration of this intention and select a major and academic plan that supports their goal in the STEM fields and/or appropriate licensed professions.

Majors Supported

CSTEP applicants are limited to majors in the natural and mathematical sciences division — environmental sciences, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, biological and chemical sciences, health sciences, physics, mathematics, and computer science.

Once matriculated changes to the major could be made in consultation with an academic advisor, as long as the student's academic plan supports their goal in STEM and/or the licensed professions. For example, a student seeking a career in medicine or nursing could conceivably declare a history or sociology and anthropology major as long as their academic plan included the prerequisites for acceptance to the chosen health professions program.

Program Requirements

Once accepted and enrolled the CSTEP student will be required to maintain good academic standing (a grade-point average of 2.0 or above); meet with CSTEP staff twice each semester; develop and maintain an academic plan; and participate in at least two CSTEP workshops, events, or activities each semester as well as the CSTEP semester meeting. The "CSTEP Semester Start" supports and incentivizes student engagement with academic advising, career planning, and their faculty advisor. CSTEP staff and their cohort help the student to meet the ongoing program requirements.

Summer Research

Summer research programs at Wells require a demonstrated interest in research activities, well-developed laboratory skills, ability to work independently, and junior or senior standing.

The capstones are research-based in the NMS Division. The BS in biological sciences: health sciences requires a senior thesis based on student research. Majors in the chemical and biological sciences program require a fully developed research proposal for graduation. Many undergraduates meet internship (experiential learning) requirements through on-campus undergraduate research with faculty during the year or over the summer.

The goal of the CSTEP program at Wells is to support CSTEP students in taking full advantage of the Wells College environment and to provide enhanced activities and services that strongly support undergraduate research. As described above, Wells students are fully supported by faculty and staff in developing internships and identifying research opportunities. CSTEP students receive additional support in this regard. Our plans include offering additional information resources; workshops that support CSTEP students in participating in or preparing for research, internships and/or service-learning; expansion of internship opportunities; and the planning and development of a CSTEP coordinated research/internship experience for each student prior to graduation culminating in either a research project or written summary of internship to enhance the already robust experiences found at Wells.

CSTEP Application

Breanna M. Jones, M.S.
Acting Director, Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP)
Stratton Hall 201
Email: bjones@wells.edu
Office: 315.364.3452
Cell: 201.430.5192

Giavarna Faison '14
NYC Regional Admissions Counselor
CSTEP Admissions Counselor
Email: gfaison@wells.edu
Office: 315.364.3337
Cell: 917.579.0605

Linda Galbato, M.S.
Director of the Center for Academic and Career Advising
Long Library, Learning Commons
Email: lgalbato@wells.edu
Office: (315) 364-3225

The Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program at Wells

Mission

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Think critically, reason wisely, and act humanely.

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