PTECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) students Yadier Martinez and Chantel Montalvo had the honor of attending the 2026 APACS (Association for Program Administrators of CSTEP and STEP)/Student Aid Alliance Advocacy Day at the NYS capitol building on Tuesday, Feb. 10. Aimed at restoring and increasing funding to STEP (Science and Technology Entry Program) and CSTEP (collegiate level), the day offered an opportunity to share their experiences first-hand with legislators, highlighting the impact these programs have on their lives and why increased funding is essential for their continued success.
Chantel Montalvo (center) and Yadier Martinez stand with Assemblyman Robert Smullen.
Martinez and Montalvo, both juniors from the Greater Amsterdam School District, have been members of the STEP program since middle school. Their enrollment in the PTECH program has not only given them greater access to STEP opportunities through SUNY FMCC, but provided the skills sets needed to advocate for themselves, their peers, and the future of the STEP program.
“Our public speaking skills are what really set us apart,” said both Martinez and Montalvo. “We were two of the five student representatives from FMCC that attended advocacy day. Our professors came to us and said we would be a great addition.”
At APACS/Student Aid Alliance Advocacy Day they had the opportunity to speak with state legislators about Governor Hochul’s Executive Budget, what changes to it could mean for their education, and provided reference materials for further review.
Martinez admits he was nervous at first, but once it came time for action his skillfulness took over and speaking in a professional setting came naturally to him.
“It was very overwhelming at first, there was a lot going on,” said Martinez. “But I feel good about keeping my focus and staying on topic during both formal and informal discussions.”
This was Montalvo’s second year at advocacy day and she felt the same excitement and sense of purpose she did at the first, but now with more confidence.
“This year it was more important to me than ever. So many young people don’t understand the importance of public participation in government,” said Montalvo. “I’m proud to get out there and support something I believe in and help make a difference. It’s very empowering.”
Martinez and Montalvo each have plans to work in science and technology fields in the future. As a Computer Information Systems student, Martinez plans to work in Information Technology, potentially opening up his own business. Montalvo is a Health Studies student who is looking at the possibility of going to medical school to work in either women’s health or public healthcare.
STEP and CSTEP programs provide high-impact academic support, mentoring, test prep, internships, and graduate/professional school guidance. The proposed Executive Budget calls for a 5% cut in funding to STEP and CSTEP for the 2027 fiscal year. The APACS/Student Aid Alliance Advocacy Day allows students to be a champion for restoration and increased funding that will help meet the demands as the need for STEM-based licensed professionals continues to rise across New York State.
PTECH, or Pathways in Technology Early College High School, is a 6-year program that functions like a hybrid between high school and college. It incorporates project based learning and professional skills training as students work toward their 2-year degree from SUNY Fulton-Montgomery or SUNY Cobleskill at no cost to their families. For more information visit https://www.hfmboces.org/programs-services/ptech/.
