AMSNY’s Science and Technology Entry Program “STEPs” Out in New York

Committee on Diversity and Multicultural Affairs”

On October 23, 2010, the Associated Medical Schools of New York (AMSNY), in conjunction with the Science Technology Entry Program (STEP) and the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) Bronx/ Manhattan region, Center for Multicultural and Community Affairs at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and the Northeast Regional Alliance Health Careers Opportunity Program will host a college fair for high school students enrolled in the AMSNY STEP program.

Who:
AMSNY, Bronx/Manhattan STEP/CSTEP Region

What:
College Fair for STEP Students

When:
Saturday, October 23, 2010
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Where:
City College of New York
The Great Hall in Shepard Hall
140th Street and Convent Avenue
New York, NY

The fair will provide students interested in entering the fields of science, technology, medical or health professions with the opportunity to meet with CSTEP representatives from New York State colleges and universities, attend workshops on the application process, and receive detailed financial aid information. In addition, the fair will offer admissions and financial aid workshops to parents of potential college applicants.

“STEP was crafted in mid-1980’s with two goals in mind: to motivate and increase interest in medicine, science, and the health-related professions for students in grades 7 through 12 who are educationally and economically disadvantaged and underrepresented in the scientific, technical and health-related professions, and to help increase diversity in medicine – an acute need in light of the shortage and maldistribution of physicians nationally and in New York State.” said AMSNY President and Chief Executive Officer Jo Wiederhorn.

“In fact the federal Council on Graduate Medical Education forecasted a substantial shortage of physicians – between 85,000 and 96,000 – by 2020. Program’s like STEP will help alleviate this shortage,” Ms. Wiederhorn added.

AMSNY’s STEP consortium model is the only statewide program of its kind. It is conducted at 10 of the 16 medical schools in New York State, including: Albany Medical College, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York Medical College, New York University School of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, and SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

According to Ms. Wiederhorn, each of the 10 schools have developed their own unique STEP program. The institutions provide intensive summer courses as well as afternoon or weekend classes during the school year. They all include a variety of the following components:

  • Exposure to the medical school environment and curriculum
  • Career presentations from various health-profession fields Internships
  • Participation in clinical and laboratory field experiences
  • College counseling
  • Personal counseling
  • Academic/study skills, including Regent’s and SAT review
  • Oral and written research projects
  • Building self-esteem
  • Values and ethics exploration
  • Multicultural development
  • Social awareness development
  • Field trips
  • Parents Advisory Council (PAC)
  • Commemoration: awards, scholarship & other successes

In addition, all of the programs provide classes that are specifically designed for high school students. Most are taught by medical school students or faculty; others are taught by faculty of the parent institution. Courses include:

  • Cell physiology/histology
  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular biology
  • Genetics
  • Cardiology
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Pre-calculus/calculus
  • Behavioral sciences
  • Infectious disease
  • English composition

“STEP is a highly successful program; it inspires students who were not sure college was in their future to pursue a career in the medical field. And, it has helped increase diversity in medicine,” Ms. Wiederhorn said.

In 2009-10, approximately 442 students from 175 high schools throughout New York were enrolled in STEP. Of those 442 students, 53 percent were African-American and 34 percent were Hispanic/Latino. Students conducted more than 16,464 hours of research and internship experience.

Additionally in 2010:

  • 110 students plan to attend college – 74 percent in a STEP-related field
  • 97 percent of the students had a grade point average over 80; and
  • 100 percent of the students received Advanced Placement (AP) credits, if enrolled in an AP course.