Volunteering

Our motto captures the spirit of CSTEP students, who channel what they’ve gained from our program back into the community to help others. If you’re interested in high-impact activities that make a difference, here is how you can get involved:

Every year, CSTEP students visit local high schools in the Buffalo Public School district to meet with students, share their college knowledge, and introduce students to STEM fields and the licensed professions.

CSTEP students serve as mentors to high school students enrolled in the STEP program. Mentors invite STEP students to attend classes with them for a day, allowing students a glimpse of what college life is like.

This is a tool lending library that empowers WNY with tool access, education and volunteering opportunities. Students can volunteer with the Tool Library for:

• community garden work and community service during the summer, or
• a fall neighborhood/corridor clean-up and bulb planting on a Saturday, or
• perform certain services in late September or early October.

This volunteer work is part of a requirement of the CSTEP Summer Research Program.

The 2026 Summer Research Program cohort volunteered at three sites across Western New York through the region-wide United Way Day of Caring, painting halls at Buffalo Prep, participating in field day activities with students at Tapestry Charter School and cleaning and refreshing spaces at the Theatre of Youth in Historic Allentown. Opportunities will be available for summer research interns to participate in community service and give back to the Buffalo community through the Day of Caring.

CSTEP students spend a Saturday volunteering their time with Habitat for Humanity to build a home for a family in need. Volunteer opportunities are available during the academic year and are a requirement of the Summer Research Program.