Mission Statement

Less than 3% of foster youth earn 2-4 year postsecondary degrees. First Star URI Academy seeks to increase the number of foster students who access higher education by providing a summer residential program for high school foster teens on a college campus, and a wealth of services to meet the educational, social and emotional needs of foster youth.

First Star URI Academy General Objectives

Education:

• Teens will believe that college is a realistic choice for them
• Teens will understand the implications of their high school success on their future and take steps to improve their grades and school involvement
• Teens will improve grades and standardized test scores
• Teens will apply for colleges and/or explore other post-secondary education

Self-Sufficiency:

• Students will be aware of the resources and support systems that exist to help them
• Students will see connections between self-advocacy and the achievement of their goals
• Students will learn basic life skills to prepare for adulthood

Psycho-Social Well-Being:

• Teens will develop an on-going positive, evolving self-concept
• Teens will continue to work towards academic and personal goals despite transitions they experience
• Teens will develop a sense of community
• Teens will enhance their learning capacity through positive and deliberate self-care strategies