Fall will be filled with intellectual fun and challenges for the Huntington UFSD students that choose to participate in Farmingdale State College’s science and technology entry program on four Saturdays in October and November.
The program is completely free for eligible students who are currently enrolled in grades 7-12. “The science and technology entry program (STEP) is a New York State Education Department funded initiative to increase the access and preparation of underrepresented students who are interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) or the licensed professions,” according to an online program profile.
Classes will be held on the following four Saturdays: October 17, October 24, November 7 and November 14.
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
Huntington UFSD is one of the few districts chosen to partner with Farmingdale State College for the STEP program.
A program flyer and application packet are posted on the Huntington School District’s website at www.hufsd.edu.
Huntington High School students should e-mail the completed application to science teacher Dame Forbes (dforbes@hufsd.edu). J. Taylor Finley Middle School students 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. Forbes or Mr. Miller.
“Each year, STEP holds campus-based Saturday 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 Saturday Academies in-person on campus this year. However, STEP waits for no one; not even COVID-19. We have developed Saturday Academies with synchronous online class components held on four Saturdays this fall. 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:
“Green” Engineering Academy: Do you like taking things apart to learn how they work? How about building something that could be the future of transportation or electric power? If you do, this may be the perfect Academy for you! Build a solar-powered car, a wind-powered generator and learn about other sources of green energy. Class will meet 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
Computer Animation and Design Academy: Experience how art and design meet technology using the newest computer graphic design programs like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to make your own creations! Class will meet 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
The Art of Science Academy: This new way of exploring zoology, etymology and environmental science will have you getting in touch with your creative side. Spend the first two classes learning animal and creature anatomical structures through illustration. Finish the Academy off exploring the environment you live in with hands-on labs at home! Class will meet 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Senior Boot Camp Academy: Back by popular demand! Each class 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 ready to be submitted! Class will meet 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
All classes will be kept small due to the virtual format so space in the program will be filled on a first come, first served basis.