First Star ASU Academy Student Recommendation

We are delighted to invite you to recommend a talented student impacted by foster care, parental incarceration, or housing/financial instability to participate in the First Star Arizona State University Academy.

To the recommender:

Thank you for taking the time to provide your confidential insight regarding this applicant. The Academy is a free, comprehensive four-year college access program designed to provide system-impacted youth with the academic support, encouragement, and enrichment needed to help them prepare for college success.

Students participate in diverse learning opportunities including academic support, independent studies, social and cultural activities, field trips, service learning, and recreational programming. In addition to a summer immersion program, students and their families receive individualized support throughout the academic year at monthly Saturday Academies, education advocacy, and caregiver workshops.

To Recommend a Student:

Ensure your student meets the following eligibility criteria:

• Impacted by foster care (current or former involvement with the Arizona Department of Child Safety or Tribal Agency)
• Have a parent or guardian who is incarcerated
• Served under the McKinney-Vento Act

Additional requirements:

• Able to participate in the summer residential component at the university and monthly Saturday sessions
• Maintain at least a 2.0 GPA and good attendance during the current and previous school year (If GPA is not met, an academic plan will be developed with the scholar)
• Demonstrate maturity and potential to thrive in a college-prep environment

Ask your student to complete the student application and submit your recommendation through the online form.

Any adult involved in the student’s life—such as a teacher, counselor, social worker, mentor, pastor, or attorney—may complete this section in confidence. Your perspective will help us ensure the program is the right fit for your student. Once all applications are received, selected students will be contacted for an interview before final selections are made.

For questions, please email [email protected].