Starting in 2000, our very own MiddleSchoolKidz host, Sheila D. Gatling, began to participate in the State University of New York (SUNY) Old Westbury Campus' STEP Program as a seminar presenter for parents and students.

The nature of the PowerPoint presentation entitled The Road to College, allows the facilitator, staff, and parents of underrepresented and underserved secondary school students to discuss

• the college admissions/application challenges
• strategies to overcome college admissions and application process barriers

About STEP:

SUNY Old Westbury College offers information and workshops for middle and high school students involved in Science and Technology Entry Programs (STEP) across Long Island as they prepare to continue their education at the college level.

STEP is an academic program that prepares historically underrepresented and underserved secondary school students for entry into postsecondary degree programs in scientific, technical, and health-related fields, and licensed professions. The STEP program also provides activities to assist students in acquiring the skills and attitudes needed to pursue a postsecondary education.

Goals:

• To use technology to introduce parents of underrepresented and underserved secondary school students to challenges.
• To demonstrate for parents of underrepresented and underserved secondary school students strategies to overcome barriers in the college admissions and application process, including strategies for using technology.

Objectives:

• introduce the college admissions and application timeline starting in Grade 6
• compare NYS graduation requirements with college admissions requirements
• provide parents with online resources to assist in the college admissions and application process
• define the college choice process as one that results in finding
  "a good student match"
• provide an overview on financing college education