Spotlight on CSTEP
Nilo Hussain, Staff Writer
March 22, 2012
Filed under News & Features
The CSTEP (Collegiate Science and Technology Entry) program came to Le Moyne College in July 2011 and was developed to prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and also prepare students for individual licensure.
This program mainly provides underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students with services and activities that prepare them for entry into the CSTEP-targeted professions. CSTEP-targeted professions are in various fields, including nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, mental health, land surveying, landscape architecture and even teaching (in subjects such as law, math and science).
“I heard about the program through a friend, and wanted to join because of the many resources it has available for students to make the best of their academic experience and enhance their professional development,” said junior Ayan Mohamed.
Some of the eligibility requirements for the CSTEP program include being a New York state resident, a full-time student and having the intention to pursue a CSTEP-targeted profession. Unlike many other programs, students can join this program at any time (as long as they meet requirements). They must also maintain a 2.5 GPA.
“I chose to join the program because my two older siblings participated in it at their undergraduate institutions,” said junior Nour Sahraoui. “I knew how helpful it had been for my sisters, so when I found out that Le Moyne had a CSTEP program, I decided to apply immediately.”
The CSTEP program has four different components: academic excellence, leadership and diversity (workshops and internships), transformative social justice (such as community service) and partnerships and inclusions.
“I like the CSTEP program because it brings together people with similar interests, aspirations, and challenges, and I find that very empowering.It provides academic support and professional and personal development, and that additional help makes it easier to visualize and realize your goals,” Sahraoui continued. “I hope that this program will help me to realize my full potential not only academically, but also professionally. The experience and connections that CSTEP has already created for me have been enormous.”
Darshini Roopnarine became the official director of the CSTEP program on Nov. 4, 2011.
“I love it here at Le Moyne College,” she said. “I get to meet funny, loving, extremely hardworking and highly motivated students.”
The program is funded by New York State, but some people within CSTEP say that more funding is needed.
“I wish we had additional funding and a larger space. A lot of students need books and financial assistance; with more funding I could help them more,” said Roopnarine, who is highly motivated to help students succeed. “In five years, students will continue to have excellent grades, they will have many opportunities after graduation and they will continue to grow and learn.”
“I love the CSTEP program, mainly because the director [Roopnarine] makes you want to do your absolute best! This program gives the tools necessary for many students on campus who need it and I am glad it has been able to help me,” Mohamed said. “I hope to come out of CSTEP having fully utilized the resources provided by them and going into the next step in my life — working towards my career.”
For more information on this program, contact Darshini Roopnarine at roopnatd@lemoyne.edu.