The South Country Central School District is pleased to announce that 23 Bellport Middle School students have been accepted into the Suffolk County Community College Science and Technology Entry Program, a free Saturday morning science, technology, engineering and math program for high-achieving minority students. Funded by the New York State Department of Education, the STEP Program focuses on career awareness, basic skills and real-world mathematics, science and technology applications for students in grades 7-12.  

The STEP Program provides 16 Saturday morning enrichment classes at SCCC, two field trips to local scientific and cultural centers and local school district activities. In addition to enrichment classes taught by SCC faculty, guest lectures by leaders in the local technological, industrial, social and educational organizations will serve as role models. 

“The STEP program provides an amazing opportunity for these students to jumpstart their academic future,” school counselor Christina DeNapoli said. 

The district congratulates the following STEP Program participants: Grade 7: Jaiden Jackson, Gael Michel, Leah Ofori, Aarilin Pitre, Bryelle Reid, Jorge Riera, Juliana Sarmiento, Andres Tacuri and Katherine Yupa. Grade 8: Sara Abdelbasset, Tatianna Alvarado, Vannesa Cevallos, Javon Davis, Autumn Gambles, Emily Garavito, Arianna Gomez, Liany Kasten, Patricia Lopez, Scarlett Maldonado, Isabella Moreno, Sarah Ofori, Vanessa Perez and Katherine Yanza.