First Star Celebrates Black History Month

As we celebrated Black History Month this February, it was important for all of us at First Star to recognize the struggles many have faced for freedom and equal opportunity, while also taking time to highlight the many achievements of African Americans in every field from science and the arts to politics and religion.

Black History Month Resources for Educators and Families ([link removed])



First Star
University of Utah Academy


Our scholars at the University of Utah took part in a month-long curriculum that included studying a century of African-American achievement in the arts, lectures on supporting Black-owned businesses, racial equity, and philanthropy, and celebrating Black Faculty & Staff at the University of Utah's Black Cultural Center.

First Star UCLA Bruin Guardian Scholars Academy

Two scholars at our UCLA Academy took part in the UCLA Bruin Resource Center's Social Justice Art Showcase. Shannon, a 10th-grade scholar, created a beautiful piece (pictured) inspired by foster youth experiences and the realities of the system. Nancy, an 8th-grade scholar, wrote an essay (excerpt below) on various themes including immigration, discrimination, and sexism. We are so proud of both scholars!
First Star National STEAM Academy
Join us for our next Tech Talk, Saturday, March 6th!

The First Star National STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) Academy is a virtual national learning platform for high-school-age foster youth, led by technology and grounded in social justice. Join us for our monthly series of interactive Tech Talks led by positive STEAM professionals who are researching, innovating, and contributing to their community.

Talk about timely a Tech Talk, we've just landed on Mars, and our next Tech Talk on Saturday, March 6th at 12 pm PST/3 pm EST, will feature Dr. Louis Tse, a Spacecraft Engineer at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, studying the planets of our solar system, including our own. Dr. Tse will be joined by Mei-Li Hey, a Mechanical Design Engineer on the James Webb Space Telescope with Northrop Grumman.

Dr. Tse received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from UCLA. His scientific research interests focus on the food-energy-water nexus and improving our understanding of society and the environment. He is also the Co-Founder of Students 4 Students, which establishes student-run shelters for college students experiencing hunger and homelessness. Inspired by his own homelessness while completing his Ph.D. at UCLA, he wanted to create a place for students to call home and find the support they need. Find out more about Students 4 Students here ([link removed]) .
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Catch Up on First Star National STEAM Academy Tech Talks
Watch our Feb. 6th Tech Talk: Genetics with Dr. Janina Jeff
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Our Academies are Recruiting
As we plan for long term sustainability in 2021, our focus on scholar engagement and the number of youth we serve will be key in our ability to grow the capacity of our Academies across the country. That is why all 14 of our Academies are currently recruiting new students to start during their 2021 Summer Academies! For students interested in becoming a part of one of our Academies get in touch HERE. ([link removed])

Stay up-to-date and learn about what our Academies are doing
by following them on Instagram!
Alumni and Scholars Team Up with Earthshot

E ([link removed]) arthshot ([link removed]) and First Star are teaming up to offer an opportunity for First Star Alumni & Scholars to help Earthshot design a video game. Earthshot, a non-profit inspiring climate action through video games, has invited our alumni and scholars to participate in a 'Game Jam' to develop a game concept that they will ultimately try to get developed.

Three Alumni and four Cal State San Bernardino scholars are interning with Earthshot and, all together, represent First Star from the East to West Coast. We can't wait to see what they all come up with!

Last May, First Star hosted a special national virtual graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020, honoring the largest graduating class to date! We want to carry on the tradition this year and continue to honor our amazing seniors who have been working their whole lives to reach this milestone, an achievement that deserves to be CELEBRATED. We are looking for donors to sponsor the graduation, and join us in honoring our scholars' perseverance and excellence as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

Donate Now to Help Us Celebrate Our First Star Graduates ([link removed])
Check Out Our 2020 Virtual Graduation Ceremony!
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2020 Impact Report ([link removed])
In the News

Georgia

Eighteen-year-old Lovely Foster has become the 2021 Youth of the Year at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattahoochee Valley in Columbus, GA ([link removed]) . Battling suicidal thoughts, during her freshman year in high school she spent several days at a treatment center to help her through her struggle. She now pays that forward by helping to create Ladies of Integrity, a mentoring program for girls. She leads Lyricism 101, which encourages club members to write raps with wholesome lyrics. She organized a community food drive and collaborated with club alumni to donate school supplies for the United Way Stuff the Bus campaign. She plans to become a psychologist in the military to help soldiers struggling with suicidal thoughts and PTSD.

Michigan

The state of Michigan is announcing new action to address racial imbalances in child protection systems. ([link removed]) The State Health Department says a new task force will tackle the issue, saying children of color enter foster care at higher rates than their white peers and are more likely to end up in institutional facilities rather than family homes. According to the state, 16% of children in Michigan are Black but make up 29% of the state’s foster care population. Overall, 31% of children in Michigan are children of color, while making up 51% of the foster care population.

Utah

A Utah charter school that came under fire for giving parents the option of opting their children out of Black History Month lessons has reversed its decision ([link removed]) . “We are grateful that families that initially had questions and concerns have willingly come to the table to resolve any differences and at this time no families are opting out of our planned activities and we have removed this option.” reads a statement prepared by Director Hirokawa and the school’s board of directors. The majority of students at Maria Montessori Academy, according to state school board data, are white. Of the 322 students enrolled this year, three are Black and 69.6% are white.

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