Based on NYSED mandated criteria, eligible applicants will:

• Be a middle or high school student in incoming grades 7-12
• Be a resident of New York State at least 12 months (2 semesters)
• Submit a completed application (each and/or every semester) with the most updated report card or a transcript
• Good record of attendance
• No record of behavior matters
• Identify as African American, Latino, Native American Indians or Alaskan Natives, OR meets state-determined economic criteria below:

*A student is considered economically disadvantaged if the:

• Student’s household income is less than or equal to the income levels indicated below.

New York State Opportunity Programs Income Eligibility Criteria 2025-2026

Persons in Family/Household Number	2025-2026 Income under
1	$27,861
2	$37,814
3	$47,767
4	$57,720
5	$67,673
6	$77,626
7	$87,579
8	$97,532
For 2025-26, add $9,953 for each additional family member in excess of 8

• *If applying under economic criteria, please provide 2023 or 2024 1040 income tax forms (first and second page only, make sure to cover any visible social security numbers (SSN). We do not need SSNs ).

The grant award requires that New York City College of Technology abide by New York State Education Departments’ eligibility criteria. Please visit their website at: Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) | New York State Education Department (nysed.gov)