Why First Star? Why Now?
COVID-19 has transformed education, work, and social environments to technologically savvy spaces that allow for continuous growth, development, and connection and led educational entities, including First Star, to discover productive ways to shift learning models to rely solely on technology as the basis of providing teaching and learning. Immersion in technology is required as this shift is occurring globally.
A cultural awakening has brought attention to the institutional racism that has permeated American society since its inception. Social justice movements examine and actively identify solutions to the inequities Black Americans have endured for centuries. Pervasive counter-productive systemic beliefs have resulted in Black and Brown lives experiencing significant education and wealth gaps, health disparities, higher incidences of police brutality/death, incarceration, homelessness, indigence, and higher incidences of placement in the child welfare system. These effects are felt even more by those in the foster care system.
For these reasons we will launch the first-ever First Star National STEAM Academy, serving teens and young adults nationwide.