Conferences

CSTEP Conferences on Campus

At CSTEP, we organize one-day mini-conferences designed to enrich the personal and professional experiences of our students. These events focus on topics relevant to student success and development. While admission is free, the conferences are exclusively open to CSTEP students (from Monroe Community College or any NYS CSTEP program) and MCC CSTEP alumni.

Upcoming Conferences

Autism and the College Experience

When: October 12, 2024, 8:00 am to 4 pm (Doors open for registration at 8:30am with a light breakfast.)
Where: Monroe Community College Brighton Campus, R. Thomas Flynn Campus Center Monroe A (room 3-205 A)

This conference will feature insightful morning and afternoon sessions that explore the unique challenges and opportunities that students on the autism spectrum face in higher education. Additionally, the event will include family education sessions, providing guidance on how to build a supportive environment both in and outside the classroom.

We are honored to have two accomplished speakers, both highly respected in the local Autism community:

Dr. Tanya Velazquez-Smith, PhD
Founder/CEO of Sensational Inclusion LLC

Dr. Velazquez-Smith, PhD, is an autistic educator and a dedicated advocate for Universal Design for Learning (UDL), centering student genius and autonomy in all learning spaces. As the founder of Sensational Inclusion, a neurodiverse-affirming tutoring and education consulting business in Rochester, NY, Dr. Velazquez-Smith works to create inclusive environments that recognize and celebrate the unique strengths of every learner. With a rich background as a kindergarten teacher, literacy professor, and preschool director, she brings expertise in early childhood and literacy development to her work. Dr. Velazquez-Smith is committed to reimagining education by creating spaces where students are revered as active agents of their learning, capable of guiding their own discovery and expressing their unique genius in ways that honor their identities.

Ms. Lawana Jones
CTO of The Autism Council LLC

Ms. Lawana Jones is the President and CEO of the Autism Council of Rochester, which she founded in 2005 to fill the gap in services for autistic children transitioning from high school to adulthood. As the mother of an autistic daughter, she saw firsthand the need for more robust support services in her community, which inspired her to create the council. Certified as an Autism Specialist and Trainer, Ms. Jones is also the Chief Technology Officer at United Way Worldwide (UWW), the second-largest nonprofit in the world. Her passion for advocacy and technology makes her a dynamic leader in both the autism and STEM fields.

Registration:
For event details and registration, please contact MCC CSTEP Director, Ms. Marshann Thomas (marshannthomas16@monroecc.edu). CSTEP students, keep an eye on your email for the registration link!

Building Resilience: Emotional & Social Intelligence for Success and Well-being

When: November 23, 2024, 8:00 am to 4 pm - Save the Date!
Where: Monroe Community College Brighton Campus, R. Thomas Flynn Campus Center, The Forum (room 3-130)

In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, cultivating emotional and social intelligence is essential for both personal and professional success. This one-day conference will focus on building resilience, fostering emotional awareness, and developing critical interpersonal skills. Attendees will gain practical insights into enhancing their mental health and well-being while also learning about financial literacy and making smart financial decisions. This event is designed to equip you with tools to thrive in every aspect of your life as a student and later on as a professional.

More details coming soon...

External Conferences 

At CSTEP, we are committed to providing our students with valuable opportunities to gain real-world professional experience. Throughout the year, we encourage students to attend conferences and professional events that align with their career goals. These events allow you to network with industry leaders, gain insights into your field, and even showcase your own work. 

For students who participate in summer research or internship programs, there may be opportunities to present your projects at national conferences. Depending on the topic and event availability, CSTEP scholars have applied and been selected to present their findings, offering a unique chance to build your academic and professional profile.

Conferences our students have attended include:

The Annual CSTEP Conference

Each year, some of our students also attend the Annual CSTEP Conference, traditionally held at the beautiful Sagamore Resort in New York State. This is a prestigious event where CSTEP programs from across the state come together to celebrate student achievements. Here, our students present the work they’ve done during their summer research or internships, gaining recognition and feedback from a wider academic community.

No Cost to Our Students

These valuable experiences are offered at no cost to our students, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to benefit from these professional development events.

Joining CSTEP means gaining access to these exciting opportunities, helping you grow both academically and professionally. We look forward to seeing you at these incredible conferences!

Apply to be a CSTEP Scholar