Student Engagement & Enrollment Services:First Star Old Dominion University Academy
Welcome! We're Glad You're Here!
First Star's Foster Youth Academies are the country's first long-term college-prep programs for high school foster youth that include four immersive residential summers on a university campus and monthly sessions during each school year. We keep foster youth on track for high school graduation and prepare them for higher education and adulthood by providing specialized programming that addresses the academics, life skills, and adult supports unique to students in foster care.
Below are opportunities and resources available to members of First Star Old Dominion University Academy. Don't hesitate to join us, we're waiting on you. Apply today!
Student Volunteer Opportunities:
Click here if you'd like to be a student volunteer!
- Program Start Date: Saturday, Sept. 17
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First Star Academy Programming Includes:
What's the best part of being a First Star scholar?
"First star has made me feel like I really can do anything even when the world doesn't seem too kind to me. It really changes your perspective when you have a support system like First Star. I had some rough patches in high school, but made it through thanks to the help of First Star staff. You can't help but feel overjoyed when you have this support system that cares for you in a way that no one else can. You can smile and you can become a family with people you just met. First Star is a place where you can believe in yourself for the first time."
Student Application Form
Join our First Star family.
Recommendation Form
Know someone who'd be great for this program? Recommend them!
Connect With Us
Got questions? Contact Director, First Star ODU Academy Dr. TaShara Bailey.
Upcoming Meetings:
All meetings will take place on Saturdays at the Student Recreation Center in rooms 1000 and 1004 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- January 21st, 2023
- February 18th, 2023
- March 18th, 2023
- April 15th, 2023
- May 20th, 2023
Sample Meeting Agenda:
| Time: | Activity: |
| 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. | Students Arrive |
| 9:00 - 9:30 a.m. | Breakfast & Review of The Day |
| 9:30 - 10:00 a.m. | Team Activity |
| 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | SAT Prep/Vocab Quiz |
| 11:00 - Noon | SAT Prep/Math Bootcamp |
| Noon - 1:00 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. | Life Skills Workshop/Guest Speaker |
| 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. | Homework Help |
| 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Free Time/ Students Depart |
