7th Annual First Star

National Conference

Working Together

The First Star Network has just returned from our 2024 First Star National Conference, hosted in partnership with the First Star University of Miami Academy. Themed "Building Brighter Futures Through Data," the conference provided valuable insights and opportunities for collaboration as we continue advancing the educational success of youth in foster care.

• The University of Miami Schools of Law and Education presented The UM Academy Story: Using Research to Show Impact. The presentation highlighted the work they’ve accomplished together over the last seven years, and brought current scholars to the conference to share their experiences.

  
  

• First Star Board Member and Dean of the University of Georgia's School of Social Work, Dr. Philip Hong, along with PhD students from Loyola Chicago University's CROSS (Community Research on Self-Sufficiency) center presented an insightful session on the First Star Bright Futures Survey. Their contribution greatly enriched the conference and provided attendees with a deeper understanding of how to quantify the power of hope within a dataset. 

Recognizing our partners

During the conference, University and Community Partners were presented with Stakeholders Awards:

• Dr. Laura Kohn-Wood, Dean of the School of Education and Human Development, UM

• Dr. Wendy Morrison-Cavendish, School of Education and Human Development, UM

• Atty. Kele Stewart, Co-Director, Children & Youth Law Clinic, UM

• Citrus Family Care Network

• Miami Dade County Public Schools

• Children's Trust of Miami-Dade County

• Educate Tomorrow

Acknowledging our network

We also presented awards to those who tirelessly support our First Star Scholars directly through their positions within the academies.

2024 Brilliance Award Recipient

Jerry Stott, Academy Director: First Star University of Utah Academy

2024 Peer Mentor of the Year Award

Feyipitan Sadiku, Peer Mentor, First Star Illinois State University Academy

Join us in supporting our young people!

The data is clear, together, we’re helping young people in foster care build brighter futures through impactful, data-driven programs and caring support. Your donation directly provides these incredible young people with essential resources and opportunities they deserve.

Every Dollar Counts:

• $25 Covers a day of meals for our scholars during summer immersion

• $50 Provides safe transportation for a scholar to attend a Saturday session

• $100 Funds tutoring sessions during the academic year

• $500 Supports an alumni micro-grant, potentially preventing food insecurity or homelessness

Join us in making a lasting impact. Give today and help create a brighter tomorrow!