First Star Academy is a long-term college-prep program for high school-aged youth in foster care. Ideally, we support students from 9th grade to high school completion. We keep our scholars on track for high school graduation while preparing them for higher education, the workforce, and early adulthood.
Programming and support are built on the following pillars:
- Academic Support: Students will have the opportunity to develop foundational skills needed to excel in school by participating in workshops, group activities, and project-based learning that is rooted in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (S.T.E.A.M.)
- Mentorship: Students will develop a network of supportive adults that includes Student Success Coaches, who are current college students with lived experience in foster care and/or other adverse childhood experiences. Additionally, students will have several opportunities to network with college students, staff, faculty and campus resources.
- College Readiness: Students will receive academic advising and advocacy, as well as individual support for college admissions, financial aid and scholarships. Furthermore, students will be immersed in the college-going experience through monthly sessions at CSUSB, summer residential programs, and field trips to other campuses.
- Career Readiness: Students will have the opportunity to build leadership skills, strengthen resumes and interviewing skills, and network with local employers who are part of the First Star network.
- Life Skills Development: Students will participate in activities and workshops to build interpersonal skills, financial literacy, Social Emotional Learning, and other skills needed to be successful in adulthood.
Saturday Academy
Saturday Academy is our opportunity to bring students to campus, where they participate in programming while being immersed in the college-going experience. Students will have the opportunity to build community with First Star scholars, learn from college students, faculty and staff, network with campus and community partners, and go on field trips that promote college/career readiness, learning and leadership development.
The Saturday Academy schedule is subject to change. If you are interested in attending Saturday Academy, please fill out the Scholar Interest Form and a representative will contact you to provide more information.
Summer Academy
Summer Academy is a fully immersive college-going experience. Students will have the opportunity to reside in the student dorms, dine in the student commons, participate in workshops in lecture halls and classrooms, and engage with campus partners. The Summer Academy experience fosters leadership development, social emotional intelligence, and independent living skills. Students will leave Summer Academy with a sense of empowerment, but most importantly, a sense of belonging.
Summer Academy takes place during the month of July. If you are interested in attending our next Summer Academy, please fill out the Scholar Interest Form and a representative will contact you to provide more information.