It will be a summer filled with science for the Huntington UFSD students that choose to participate in Farmingdale State College’s science and technology entry program.
The program is completely free for eligible students who will be in grades 7-12 in 2020/21 (currently in grades 6-11). All incoming seventh graders as well as those who will be in grades 8-12 are strongly encouraged to apply for the summer academy as well as the Saturday program that will be held in the fall.
“The science and technology entry program (STEP) is a New York State Education Department funded program to increase the access and preparation of underrepresented students in grades 7-12 who are interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) or licensed professions,” according to an online program profile. “Students in STEP can participate in enrichment activities including experiential learning based Saturday and summer academies, research at Farmingdale State College or in partner schools, college tours and visits, SAT and ACT preparation classes, tutoring and STEM trips.”
To qualify for STEP, students need to:
1. Be a New York State resident for the past 12 months
2. Have a minimum GPA of 80 or “B” or show ability to benefit from STEM enrichment classes and activities
3. Be Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino/a, Native American/Alaskan Native or be of any ethnic background and demonstrate economic qualifications through eligibility for free or reduced lunch
“We are really proud that Huntington was chosen to be one of a few partner districts with the Farmingdale State College STEP program,” said Jill Johanson, district director of STEM. “Being a partner district means that we will have priority access to all of the programs STEP offers its students and once it is no longer a virtual program, students will have access to free transportation to and from Farmingdale for their academies and other programs. We hope that many of our students take advantage of the tremendous opportunities that this program offers.”
A program flyer and application packet are both posted on the Huntington School District’s website at www.hufsd.edu. Applications are due June 18.
Students who are entering or will be continuing at Huntington High School should e-mail the completed application to either Mrs. Johanson (jjohanson@hufsd.edu) or science teacher Dame Forbes (dforbes@hufsd.edu). Students entering or continuing at J. Taylor Finley Middle School should e-mail the completed application to science teacher Keith Miller (kmiller@hufsd.edu). The faculty members will file the completed applications with program officials.
Questions? Feel free to send a message to Mrs. Johanson, Mrs. Forbes or Mr. Miller.
“Each year, STEP holds campus-based summer academies to introduce students to a variety of STEM fields,” states the program flyer. “In order to keep students safe, unfortunately, STEP is unable to hold summer academies in-person on campus this year. However, science waits for no one! We have developed a summer program with synchronous online class components held on Zoom for 4 weeklong mini-camps. In order to participate, students will require a device (PC, tablet, or phone) that has a camera and audio capabilities and will be required to have video turned on for the duration of the class and audio turned on at the request of the instructor.”
The four academies include:
Research Exploration Week- Get your skills in conducting, reporting and presenting your research in tip-top shape! Joining forces with the iNaturalist organization, you will conduct research right in your own backyard and local community. Using your findings and the findings of others on the site, you will learn how to develop and conduct your research project. Week of July 20- 24 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Recommended for grades 9-12
Health Careers: Public Health Academy- Medicine is not only about treating people who are sick, but how to prevent disease and keep people healthy in the first place. COVID-19 has changed the entire world and with the recent pandemic, the spotlight has turned to these specialists in public health and their importance in our wellbeing and safety. Using virtual lab experiences and under the guidance of a public health professional, you will find out all about public health and how medicine can treat whole communities and not just individuals! Week of July 27-31 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Recommended for grades 9-12.
Science Academy Week- There are so many different fields of science that are fun that we couldn’t pick just one for this week! Before the week begins, you will receive your supply pack with everything that you will need (and a couple extra goodies) to dive into this week of hands-on experiments and activities. You’ll get to explore biology, chemistry, geology, physics, and ecology. Week of August 3-7 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Recommended for grades 7-8.
Senior Boot Camp Academy- This is it! The big one! Senior year! This one-week boot camp will prepare you to get ahead of the college research, selection, application process, and getting ready for the big leap to college life. From narrowing down your college list, to tackling the dreaded personal statement, we will have your applications in good shape before school even starts again. One less thing to worry about in September! Week of August 10-14. 10 a.m. -12 p.m. Recommended for grade 12 (rising seniors).