STEP Eligibility
STEP
The following requirements must be met to participate in Rensselaer STEP:
- Students must be residents of the State of New York,
enrolled in middle or high school (grades 7-12) in either the
Troy or Lansingburgh School District, LaSalle Institute or
Catholic Central High School. Applications from students from
neighboring schools in the communities around Troy will be
considered only if there is space in the program.
- Students must exhibit potential for college level study
if provided academic support services.
- Students must be either economically disadvantaged OR
minorities historically under-represented in the scientific,
technical, health, and health-related professions (African
American, Latino, or Native American/Alaskan Native).
- Beginning in the spring of 2011, new applications for
participation in the RPI STEP program will only be accepted
in the spring, between April 1 and June 30. Students who
complete the application process and are accepted into the
RPI STEP program will be eligible to participate in all
programs offered that summer and in the fall, winter and
spring semesters thereafter, through their graduation from
high school. Continuation in the program will be evaluated
annually, and will be based on the student's active
participation in programs provided throughout the year.
Applications are evaluated for eligibility before applicants
are accepted into the program. Parents will be asked to prove
eligibility based on NYS criteria if the application is based
on economic eligibility. 
As part of the application process, parents are asked to grant RPI permission to access transcripts including grades and test scores from their student's school, as RPI is required to report annually on student participant performance to the NY State Department of Education to justify program funding.
Once students are admitted into the STEP program, they are entitled to continue in the program as long as they live in the area and have the desire to continue. They will be required to submit annual updates of their contact and school information, and a confirmation that they would like to continue in the program.
Due to limited space in some of the programs offered to students enrolled in RPI STEP, special requirements may be established and participation may be by invitation for some of these programs.