New York State's Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) has been offering middle and high school students extra preparation for college and careers in science, technology, and health fields for nearly 40 years. The program's admissions rules effectively used race to determine who qualified for help. This policy was challenged by Asian American families, who argued it was discriminatory. New York officials have now issued guidance to STEP schools to stop using race-based eligibility rules. This move signals growing recognition that the program's racial criteria are legally problematic. The lawsuit was brought by Yiatin Chu, an Asian-American mother whose daughter had a strong interest in STEM learning.