First Star UCLA Bruin Academy

FIRST STAR UCLA BRUIN GUARDIAN ACADEMY STUDENT VIDEO from Peter Samuelson

The residential part of the first, First Star UCLA Bruin Academy session, ended on Friday, August 5, with 24 proud, rising ninth graders obtaining college credits and self-confidence.  This part of the program was a rousing success, and will be reinforced with regular visits with the graduates, and ongoing measurement to assess the program's effectiveness in breaking down the barriers that cause less than 3% of foster children in America to graduate from college.

Tremendous thanks to all those who made the program a success, especially UCLA, the staff and leadership of the Academy, and the benefactors who had the vision and forethought to invest in the concept and these students.

First Star is actively engaged with other universities in other parts of the country to expand the program and ensure that we give foster kids the same encouragement and opportunities we give our other children.

Recent articles about the program:

LA Times
UCLA News Room