We are delighted to share that the First Star Network gathered in person for our seventh Annual National Conference from October 18th—20th in Arizona! Co-hosted by our partners at Arizona State University, we spent three fantastic days together exploring the theme of this year’s conference, “The Power of Connection!" During our time together, we shared our successes, strengthened our community, and collaborated on our next steps toward our teams' and brilliant scholars’ bright futures. Alongside Academy Directors from across the country, we were joined by ASU leadership: Sr. Vice President-Educational Outreach and Student Services, Dr. James Rund; Vice President-Outreach Partnerships, Dr. Sharon Smith; the Deputy Vice President of Access ASU, Vanessa Ruiz; and Career Pathways Director, Roger Fisher. We held community dinners, delved into Academy best practices, hosted Q&As with key members of the ASU community, and found moments to celebrate our teammates across the country!
Please consider supporting First Star by clicking the link in our bio or by texting GIVEFIRST23 to 44-321!
First Star ASU Academy Alumni Sam performed a profound spoken word poem at this year's First Star National Conference:
" When I was younger, when I heard the word dream, it would bring a tear to my eye because from my background and people I grew up with, a dream wasn’t something attainable, it was an escape.... now I have a family at First Star and now I am allowed to dream... I can honestly say, without First Star I wouldn’t have spoken nationally in front of thousands of people....Without First Star, I never would have graduated high school, I might not even be alive, without First Star I definitely wouldn’t be in this room. WITHOUT FIRST STAR I WOULD NOT HAVE A DREAM"
You can support First Star scholars and Alumni by texting GIVEFIRST23 to 44-321 or by clicking the link in our bio. Thank you for supporting improved educational access for youth in care!
#Givingtuesday is November 28, 2023. Help us jump-start the season with a gift today!
Your donation this giving season will help our scholars fulfill their dreams by providing our alumni micro-grants and holiday gifts while supporting education access for high school-aged youth in foster care. Join us in making a positive impact in our community!
You can donate by following the link in our bio or texting "GIVEFIRST23" to 44-321.
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The BGSA (@fsbgsa ) Summer Academy Closing Ceremony was wonderful! Shout out to the BGSA Team for putting together another successful event! 💫
Thank you to @shereadyfoundation ! It was wonderful to see the work our scholars collaborated on.
Thank you to @rep_kamlagerdove for visiting the academy and for your closing remarks!
The First Star ASU Showcase (@firststarasu ) was amazing! Congratulations Paloma (First Star ASU Academy’s Program Director) and the ASU team on your magnificent work and leadership!
Thank you to @dreionation for engaging with the ASU scholars and your continued support to the First Star community 🌟
