First Star Interview

Only 9% of American foster youth go to college or university. The predicaments foster youth finds themselves in the United States make it impossible to attend any university campus. Not only do they lack the support needed, but many of them fail to graduate high school.

First Star hopes to give foster children academic education. By partnering with universities and child welfare agencies, First Star has launched innovative college preparatory programs to give foster children the chance to shine again.

Find out how you can help support First Star in its quest to provide better educational outcomes to those most in need.

Listen here or find us on your favorite podcast app.

March 5, 2022

First Star Provides Foster Youth With the Foundation For Academic Achievement

First Star
First Star
Images provided by First Star

#316 Great.com Talks With... First Star

Less than 3% of foster youth earn a Bachelor's degree. The situation these children find themselves in leads down a dangerous road. Over half of foster youth end up homeless, incarcerated, or on welfare. In today's episode, we spoke with Peter Samuelson, CEO of First Star.

First Star is a nonprofit organization that works nationwide in the United States to improve the lives of foster youth. Their work has resulted in a 99% high-school graduation rate and 91% higher education rate among First Star youths. The organization has a saying: "You are no longer foster children. You are First Star students and you will shine."

Connecting Foster Youth with Universities

First Star academies operate on the campus grounds of universities. Peter says there are 15 academies in the United States and 3 in the United Kingdom. They also plan on expanding in Australia, Canada, and Brazil. Foster youth attending First Star academies receive quality education and learn valuable life skills. The academies hire youth coaches, mentors, tutors, undergrad and grad students from host universities to teach valuable life skills and prepare foster youth for high school graduation.

The high school foster youth of First Star academies go on to achieve great things in life. The curriculum is one-third academic, one-third life skills, and one-third caregiver and mentor engagement. 91% of former foster youth graduates go on to receive higher education. A large part of college graduates end up offering ongoing and continued support to other foster youth.

Listen to the whole internet to know how First Star partners offer their support to the organization. You can also donate to help a foster kid a second chance at a better life.

Want to learn more about First Star? Make sure to check out their news section and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

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