First Star Academy

The Cal Poly Humboldt First Star Academy for Foster Youth is a collaborative effort between California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, First Star Inc, and local stakeholders.

This free, four‑year college readiness program supports high school students currently experiencing foster care, with the goal of helping them become competitive college applicants and successful in higher education and adulthood. Core components include summer residential experiences on campus, monthly sessions throughout the school year, academic support and enrichment, life skills development, and advocacy with schools and child welfare systems.

Image

Each summer, scholars live in the residence halls at Cal Poly Humboldt, take courses, build college readiness skills, and engage with supportive mentors and staff. During the academic year, scholars return for monthly campus based sessions offering tutoring, mentoring, course planning, and social emotional support. Youth mentors, who are our very own students at Cal Poly Humboldt, work directly with scholars on academics, psycho‑social skills, and preparation for adulthood (budgeting, healthy relationships, etc.).

Through coordination with caregivers, social workers, and school systems, the program helps stabilize students’ educational journey and builds lasting support networks. The Cal Poly Humboldt First Star Academy aims to lay a foundation for foster youth to graduate high school, access college, and thrive.