First Star Rising December 2025 Issue

The December 2025 Issue highlights our 2025 First Star National Impact Survey. This newsletter covers how our scholars give back such as how our First Star UCLA Bruin Guardian Scholars Academy proudly volunteered at the Venice Family Clinic Toys for Tots Drive. It also touches on how our scholars are celebrating this holiday season. Another highlight was how the First Star Alumni program gave micro-grants to any alumnus in need during the lapse in SNAP benefits. We rounded out the newsletter with a recap of our recent First Star Lunch and Learn, our Donor Spotlight, coverage of our 25th Anniversary Celebration, and a look ahead to our Virtual Partner Session in 2026.

First Star Rising September 2025 Issue

The September 2025 Issue highlights our 2025 First Star National Fact Sheet. The newsletter announces Kayla Murillo – who has gone above and beyond in supporting youth in care – as the National First Star Peer Mentor Award Recipient. In addition, the First Star Cal State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) Academy Director Kurt Manio was announced as the 2025 Brilliance Award Recipient for excelling in leadership, commitment to scholars, collaborating and deep passion for the work. It covers the alumni spotlight on New Jersey Academy alumni Delany and our Alumni Program Resource Pop Up. We round out the Issue with information on our partnerships, Brian Ritchey on Comcast Newsmakers, our donor spotlight on Deirdre & Bill Catuzzi, and details on First Star’s 25th Anniversary Celebration.

First Star Rising June 2025 Issue

The June 2025 Issue covers the scholar and alumni journeys of Nancy, Sarah and Desiree. It also highlights First Star’s inaugural Creation Conference and First Star CEO Lyndsey Wilson’s Induction into the California Black Women’s Trailblazer Hall of Fame. First Star’s program impact is explored with our team’s May meeting with California lawmakers to advocate for foster youth educational equity, First Star’s interview with Good Day Sacramento, and special recognition to First Star University of Utah Academy Director Jerry Stott.