1. What is the STARS Academy?

STARS (Steering Teens Toward Academic Rewards and Success) Academy offers students under court protection (ages 12-18) educational tutoring and mentoring aimed at helping them to complete high school and pursue higher education and/or vocational training. Operating since 1994, STARS typically matches 50 or more at-risk students with local citizens for semi-monthly tutoring/ mentoring sessions and field trips. All trips have a basis of learning about their community, interacting with community leaders, understanding local government, attending personal finance workshops, exploring career options, and attending cultural events which contribute to creating a well-rounded individual.

The STARS Academy assists students from middle school through high school graduation, and provides the graduating students with an opportunity to receive a two-year scholarship to attend Broward Community College (BCC) due in large part to funding received from the BCC Foundation. Additionally, STARS offers the opportunity for role modeling and consistent attention from adult mentors. Throughout the program events, friendship and advocacy are reinforced as the tutors/mentors listen to and role model for the students. Areas of focus will be increasing self-esteem, character building, team building, conflict resolution, goal setting, career options, environment, and social skills. During the entire experience, students will be able to aspire, plan and prepare for college, vocational education, and/or job skills training.

2. How often does the STARS Academy meet?
Two Saturday per month from September- May.

3. How old do you have to be to participate in the STARS Academy?
The STARS Academy accepts applicant between the ages of 12 and 18 years old.

4. As a student do you have to participate in every STARS Academy Saturday?
The STARS Academy recommends that our STARS participate in every session; this allows you to build a relationship with your mentor.

5. What are the benefits of becoming a STARS Academy student?
Receive 100 hours or more of mentoring
Receive 100 hours or more of tutoring
Possible scholarship opportunities
Experience a college environment
Make new friends

6. Who are the mentors of the STARS Academy?
People like you, those who are interested in becoming a role model for our youth.

7. What are the requirements for a STARS Academy Mentor?
Mentors are required to complete an application for the STARS Academy
Mentors are required to complete an application with the Youth Mentoring Department with the School Board of Broward County; this also includes a security and background check.

8. As a mentor do you have to participate in every STARS Academy Saturday?
We recommend that mentors participate in every session; this allows you to build a relationship with your mentee.

9. Who do you contact for more information?
For more information on the STARS Academy you may contact Primrose Culmer, STARS Academy Program Coordinator by email at stars@broward.edu or by phone at 954 201-6419.

10. Who are the STARS Academy program sponsors?
The Broward Community College Foundation
ChildNet
Guardian Ad Litem Program
HANDY
School Board of Broward County
The Community Foundation of Broward
The Sun sentinel Child’s Fund