CSTEP Eligibility

To be eligible for CSTEP support, students must be enrolled full-time and be in good academic standing in an approved scientific, technical, health-related, pre-professional, or professional undergraduate or graduate program of study.  The student must be a resident of New York State who is either:  economically disadvantaged or from a minority group historically underrepresented in the scientific, technical or licensed professions, and demonstrates interest in and a potential for a professional career if provided special services. 

For the purpose of CSTEP, a student who is economically disadvantaged means a student who is a member of a household that meets the income eligibility standards published annually by NYSED for the 2020-2025 funding cycle.  The income eligibility standards apply only at the time of admission as a first-time student to a CSTEP program. Once admitted, a student may continue to receive supportive services as needed, even if the family income rises above the current income eligibility standards.

Additional documentation of household income need not be collected to determine eligibility under economic disadvantage if the student falls into one of the following categories, and the pertinent documentation is provided. These categories include the student's family is the recipient of family assistance program aid or safety net assistance through the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance or a county department of social services; is the recipient of family day-care payments through the NYS Office of Children and Family Services or a county department of social services; or the student is living with foster parents and no monies are provided from the natural parents; or the student is a ward of the State or a county.

According to § 145-6.6(b) of the Commissioner’s Regulations, minorities historically underrepresented in the scientific, technical, health and health-related professions means residents of New York State or permanent resident aliens residing in New York State who are Black, Hispanic, American Indian or Alaskan Native.

Each student must submit income documentation to the CSTEP Office as part of the application package.  

NEW YORK STATE LICENSED PROFESSIONS can be viewed on the NY State Education Department Office of Professions website.