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Hosted by Jeff Probst of Survivor, our 2020 First Star Virtual Celebration was a huge success! We shined a light on our awe-inspiring scholars and our formidable First Star network of brilliant individuals. We heard firsthand from scholars and Academy Directors what a difference being a part of First Star has made in their lives and their hopes for a bright and successful future. We also highlighted the commitment of four outstanding and impressive leaders - Deirdre & Bill Catuzzi, Jeff Stibel, and Senemeht Olatunji. Your continued support is helping us bring the First Star spirit to thousands of foster youth across the country through our bold, new initiative, the First Star National STEAM Academy.

Watch the 2020 First Star Virtual Celebration ([link removed])
The First Star National STEAM Academy
The First Star 2020 Virtual Celebration gave us an opportunity to introduce you to our bold, new initiative the First Star National STEAM Academy. Officially launching in January 2021, the First Star National STEAM Academy aims to increase teenage foster youth engagement in STEAM careers with a series of interactive “Tech Talks” led by positive STEAM professionals, as well as the expansion of technology in driving learning opportunities. Our objective is to guide more foster youth towards exciting STEAM careers with increased earning potential to help break the cycle of poverty and provide a greater opportunity to contribute to their community.
First Star acknowledges its responsibility to uplift foster youth and expand their understanding of the STEAM careers and the vital role they play in the 21st Century. The Covid-19 crisis has motivated First Star to be a leader in transforming education, work, and social environments into technologically savvy spaces that allow for continuous growth, development, and connection. The STEAM Academy aims to provide validation through representation as well as impactful opportunities for our foster youth.
Hear more about the First Star National STEAM Academy from
First Star's CEO, Lyndsey Collins Wilson.
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Your contributions are needed more than ever. Donate now to help us launch this innovative program and make a real change in the lives of our scholars.
Donate Now ([link removed])
Academy Highlights
The fall semester is well underway for all of our Academies across the country. After a summer focused on scholar engagement and academic preparation for the school year ahead, our Academies are continuing to provide robust programming for their students through virtual platforms. This has led many of our Academy Directors to meet scholars' needs by hosting weekly study sessions, game nights, and online tutoring, in addition to the normal monthly Saturday sessions. It also means more collaboration between Academies as many have invited scholars from other programs to participate in their sessions. Despite the challenges this year has brought us, our Academies are using innovative methods to reach their students and creating pathways for them to thrive.
Do you know a teenage foster youth who might want to join one of our Academy programs? Are you a social worker or teacher who works with students perfect for our programs? Are you a teenage foster youth interested in joining a First Star Academy? Find out more about First Star Academy programs in your area HERE ([link removed]) or recommend a student below.
Fill Out A Scholar Interest Form ([link removed])
Our Alumni
In partnership with iFoster, the iFoster-First Star Mentorship Program connects First Star alumni with trained and qualified TAY Americorps Mentors to provide consistent and intentional mentorship for a group of foster youth alumni transitioning into higher education and adulthood. By receiving guidance and resources from an older foster youth mentor, they will have the connection and support necessary to achieve their post-secondary goals while persevering through the unique challenges often faced by transitional aged foster youth. Mentoring is the most requested resource among our alumni and is a mutually beneficial relationship that allows all participants to develop personally and professionally while gaining transferable skills.
Find Out More About Our Mentorship Program (mailto:[email protected]?subject=First%20Star%20Alumni%20Mentorship%20Program)
Don't miss this year's Alumni Halloween Meetup! Join us for Halloween festivities and our special Guest Speaker, author, purpose coach, and spoken word artist Ángela Quijada-Banks ([link removed]) . She will discuss her experience in the foster care system and her new book The Black Foster Youth Handbook. Stick around for a book raffle! Costumes highly encouraged! Find out how to join us HERE (mailto:[email protected]?subject=Alumni%20Halloween%20Meetup) .
#GivingTuesday is December 1, 2020
Mark your calendars, #GivingTuesday is just around the corner on December 1, 2020.
Stay tuned for all the ways you can help make First Star your nonprofit of choice during the season of giving!
Tuesday, November 3rd is ELECTION DAY!
Everything you need to make sure you're prepared to vote is HERE. ([link removed])
Make sure you are following us to stay
up to date with our Academies!
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