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. Supporting foster youth on their path to higher education, belonging, and long-term success.

What Is First Star Academy?

First Star Academy at Cal Poly Humboldt is a free, four-year college readiness and youth development program for high school students who have experienced the foster care system. The program supports young people in building the academic preparation, confidence, and support networks needed to pursue higher education and thrive in adulthood.

Rooted in rural and Indigenous community contexts, we center relationships, stability, and student strengths. We believe college access is not just about academics, it is about belonging, mentorship, trust, and opportunity.

What the Program Provides

First Star Academy offers consistent, relationship-based support throughout high school, including:

Summer Residential Experience

Each summer, scholars participate in a 3-day on-campus residential experience at Cal Poly Humboldt. Scholars stay in dorms, engage in self-development & college-focused activities, and build meaningful relationships with supportive mentors and staff.

Monthly Academic-Year Sessions

During the school year, scholars return to campus for monthly sessions that include tutoring, mentoring, course planning, and social-emotional support.

Academic Enrichment & College Readiness

Scholars receive support with coursework, goal-setting, and preparation for higher education.

Life Skills & Preparation for Adulthood

Programming focuses on practical skills such as financial wellness, healthy relationships, self-advocacy, and navigating life after high school.

Advocacy & Systems Coordination

The program collaborates with caregivers, schools, and child welfare systems to help promote educational stability and continuity.

Mentorship & Peer Support

Youth mentors are current Cal Poly Humboldt students who are part of the ELITE Scholars Program. Mentors work directly with scholars to provide academic support, encouragement, and guidance throughout the program.

Many ELITE Scholars mentors bring lived experience with the foster care system, offering deep understanding, empathy, and relatability. Their shared perspective helps scholars feel seen, supported, and understood, while also modeling what is possible beyond high school.

Who the Program Serves

First Star Academy is designed to support:

• High school students who experienced the foster care system
• Native American and Indigenous youth
• Youth navigating educational disruption, housing instability, or limited access to adulthood preparation resources.
• Caregivers and families supporting youth in care

Participation is voluntary, strengths-based, and centered on each young person’s goals.

Why This Program Matters

Youth with foster care experience face systemic barriers to higher education—not because of a lack of ability or motivation, but due to disrupted systems and limited access to consistent, trusted support.

First Star Academy exists to change that narrative by walking alongside youth & amplifying their strengths. Together, these experiences lay a foundation for scholars to graduate high school, access college, and pursue their goals with confidence and community.

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