The 62nd Annual Mohawk
Valley Technical Awards Banquet
April 19, 2012 @ Daniele's Banquet
Hall, New Hartford, NY
About this Event: The Mohawk Valley Engineers’
Executive Council (MVEEC) has attempted to highlight the individuals
and organizations that have created successful relationships
and opportunities in manners not directly addressed by our
Awards of Merit. This year, the MVEEC granted a Certificate
of Recognition for the 25th Anniversary of the STEP and CSTEP
programs at MVCC, and for their recent growth in the depth
and breadth of the non-traditional student populations they
shepherd through academia and onto the first steps of technical
career paths.
While 2012 marks the 25th Anniversary of STEP (Science Technology
Entry Program) and CSTEP (Collegiate Science Technology Entry
Program) in New York State. MVCC has been home to both of
these programs only since 2005, but has come to be known for
a wide ranging, high energy approach to mentoring students
from all walks of life. The goal of these programs is to increase
the number of students from historically under-represented
groups who are pursuing professional licensure and careers
in mathematics, science, technology, engineering and health-related
fields. These programs help encourage students to go into
and stay in these fields, focusing on 7th to 12th grade students,
and providing them with tutoring, Regents & SAT/ACT test
prep, exposure to STEM career fields (through presentations,
job shadowing opportunities, and tours), & , college application
assistance. CSTEP serves eligible fulltime MVCC students,
providing them with opportunities to do internships or conduct
research in their chosen field of study, network with area
businesses to learn about what is occurring locally, explore
other fields they may not have considered or known about,
transfer college exposure and application assistance, and
licensure exam assistance. Students participating in these
programs, leave with the tools and skills necessary to navigate
higher education, continuing education, or entry into the
working world for their field.
Since STEP & CSTEP began at MVCC, Kim Overrocker and
her team has shown great passion and commitment in helping
students discover and pursue interests in and succeeding in
their studies in the fields of science, technology, engineering,
and math. An increasing number of students have been presented
opportunities for job shadowing and tours, to learn more about
companies and career fields, and college tours to learn about
the higher ed opportunities available to them.
Kim, Christy, Danielle, and Susan have become known for
accepting any student or challenge, head-on, with high energy
and boundless enthusiasm. They network tirelessly, learn about
their students with sincerity and compassion, and have gained
the reputation amongst students and peers that they will assist
each and every student to attain an opportunity to reach their
goals.
The MVEEC recognizes the anniversary of these programs,
because they are important to nurturing the next generation
of technologists. But we’re really recognizing the team
at MVCC, for the success of these programs is based upon people
with energy, commitment, and the type of dedication seen in
the MVCC team.
Event Photos:
The 62nd Annual Mohawk
Valley Technical Awards Banquet
Recipients: The 25th Anniversary of STEP (Science Technology
Entry Program) and CSTEP (Collegiate Science Technology Entry
Program) at Mohawk Valley Community College, Utica, NY and
Rome, NY - Kim Overrocker, Christy Stephenson, Danielle Ingber,
and Susan Johnston. Some STEP & CSTEP Students also attended
the Technical Awards Banquet.
