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The First Star Rising Newsletter offers an inside look at how First Star is helping youth and young adults in foster care thrive by celebrating their achievements, sharing inspiring stories, and highlighting the progress we are making together. Stay informed, inspired, and connected to the First Star mission.
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SCHOLAR & ALUMNI JOURNEYS
Meet Nancy, a shining example of resilience, leadership, and First Star Brilliance!

Nancy first joined the First Star Bruin Guardian Scholars Academy at UCLA in 2020, during the height of the pandemic, as a middle school student navigating unprecedented challenges. From the beginning, her determination to succeed and her passion for social change were clear.

Despite the uncertainty of virtual learning, Nancy remained focused and resilient. She excelled academically, stayed active in extracurriculars, and embraced every opportunity the Academy offered. Her leadership and positivity inspired others, and recognizing the value of the program, she encouraged all her siblings to join, ensuring her entire family could benefit from the support and resources available.

Now, in 2025, Nancy is graduating at the top of her class. She will attend Pitzer College to study Political Science, already recognized for her promise with a $20,000 scholarship from her high school and the prestigious First Ladies High Tea $1,000 scholarship.

Nancy is one of many exceptional students in the First Star Class of 2025. This class has persevered through adversity, proven their potential, and is ready to lead. With your continued support, we can uplift scholars like Nancy not only through high school but also into adulthood through our First Star Alumni Program.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025. The future is bright because of you!
From First Star to College: Sarah’s Story of Strength
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CLICK ON THE PICTURE to see Sarah, a proud alumna of First Star, share her inspiring journey in a heartfelt video addressing the transformative impact of the First Star Creation Conference.

Sarah, a proud alumna of First Star, recently shared her inspiring journey in a heartfelt video addressing the transformative impact of the First Star Creation Conference. Reflecting on her experience, Sarah expressed how the conference ignited her aspirations for the future and reaffirmed her decision to return to college. The theme of the Hero's Journey resonated deeply with Sarah as she navigated her path through challenges and growth. She emphasized how the lessons learned at First Star, particularly resilience and perseverance, will guide her as she pursues her academic and personal goals.

Sarah's story embodies the spirit of resilience and determination fostered by First Star. Her commitment to higher education and personal growth serves as a source of inspiration for current and future scholars. As she continues her journey, Sarah plans to apply the insights gained from the First Star Creation Conference to overcome obstacles and achieve success, inspiring others with her unwavering determination and belief in the power of education.

Desiree Isola’s Full Circle Journey with First Star

Desiree Isola’s journey with First Star began with uncertainty but quickly became life-changing. What started as a leap of faith turned into a supportive community that gave her hope, connection, and a sense of belonging.

While navigating college, Desiree reconnected with her alma mater academy and began volunteering as a peer mentor. This led to deeper involvement through the Alumni Program, where she received help with school expenses and regular resource updates.

Now a member of the national First Star team, Desiree helps support alumni just like herself. “Working here isn’t just a job. It means everything to me,” she shared. From First Star scholar to mentor to professional, Desiree’s story reflects the heart of First Star’s mission: lifting up youth in foster care and empowering them to lead.
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GROWTH
Creation Conference Ignites Inspiration Across First Star
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CLICK ON THE PICTURE to check out the Creation Conference's sizzle reel!

On April 26, First Star hosted its first-ever Creation Conference at UCLA, in partnership with the Bruin Guardian Scholar Academy and the First Star Cal State San Bernardino Academy. The event brought together scholars, staff, and community members for a powerful day of connection and empowerment.

Through a nationwide livestream on the FosterGreatness App, over 140 comments and 100 reactions poured in from First Star Academies and the broader foster care community. In-person gatherings at UCLA and five academy sites saw strong engagement.

Post-event surveys showed that 88% of scholars felt a shift in their outlook. One participant shared, “It’s empowered me to realize that I am more and that I can be whoever I want to be.”

The event’s success reflects First Star’s ongoing commitment to elevating youth in foster care and was made possible by the visionary leadership of Board Member Vince Thompson, who first envisioned the conference.
Celebrating Excellence: First Star CEO Lyndsey C. Wilson Inducted into California Black Women’s Trailblazer Hall of Fame.

We are proud to celebrate First Star CEO Lyndsey C. Wilson’s induction into the 2025 California Black Women’s Trailblazer Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes her bold leadership and lifelong commitment to education and advocacy.

Lyndsey’s work has spanned the globe, from classrooms in Atlanta to communities in South Africa, Mexico, and Bosnia. As CEO of First Star, she co-founded The Foster Youth Pre-College Collective, helping secure over $35 million to support educational equity for youth in foster care across the state of California.

She shares this honor with her aunt, Lisa Collins, recipient of the Legacy Award. Reflecting on the recognition, Lyndsey said, “If you’ve ever wondered why I fight so hard… look no further than my aunt, my family, both chosen and biological, and the incredible mentors and friends who paved the way.”

Please join us in congratulating Lyndsey on this well-deserved honor and the continued impact of her leadership.
PROGRAM IMPACT
Advocating for Youth in Foster Care in Sacramento, CA

We are excited to share that First Star team members, together with staff and alumni from the First Star Bruin Guardian Scholars Academy at UCLA, recently met with California lawmakers and their teams to advocate for youth and young adults in foster care. These conversations highlighted First Star’s commitment to educational equity and how our Academy programs help young people prepare for and succeed in higher education.

With voices rooted in education, advocacy, and lived experience, our team underscored the urgent need for sustained investment in programs that uplift and empower youth and young adults in foster care across the state.

We are incredibly proud of this powerful effort, a meaningful way to elevate awareness and celebrate Foster Care Awareness Month.
News Spotlight: First Star Leaders Featured on Good Day Sacramento
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CLICK ON THE PICTURE to see the Good Day Sacramento news piece.

First Star - CEO, Lyndsey C. Wilson, Director of First Star Academy at California State University Sacramento, Latrice Madkins, and Director of Academy Engagement, Karina Garcia-Lopez, were interviewed by Good Day Sacramento on March 26, 2025. They discussed the partnership between the National Center for Youth Law (NCYL) and the Foster Youth Pre-College Collective (FYPC) to host an advocacy day. The event spotlighted the Graduation Destination Report, which advocates for ongoing educational support for foster youth statewide.
Honoring Jerry Stott’s Impactful Leadership

In the past year, we presented the First Star Brilliance Award to Jerry Stott, Director of the First Star University of Utah Academy, in recognition of his exceptional dedication to our scholars.

Jerry's began his journey with the Academy began in 2017 as a summer peer mentor, a role that ignited his deep commitment to supporting youth in foster care. Over the years, he advanced from Program Coordinator to Academy Director, culminating in his appointment as Associate Director of Foster Youth Initiatives at the University of Utah in 2024.

With extensive hands-on experience across all facets of our mission, from student mentorship to strategic leadership, Jerry has played a pivotal role in shaping the Academy's vision and impact. Under his guidance, the Academy has secured crucial state funding and expanded its outreach to foster youth beyond Salt Lake City.

Jerry’s journey exemplifies the transformative impact of dedicated individuals investing in the potential of youth in care. We take immense pride in his leadership and unwavering commitment to First Star!
EVENTS & UPDATES

October 21, 2025: First Star 25th Anniversary Celebration. Join us in Los Angeles for the First Star 25th Anniversary Celebration, themed 25 Years, One Vision, Countless Stars. We will honor our past, celebrate our present, ignite a future of possibility. Additional event details and ticket information will be shared soon.
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