First Star ASU holds monthly academies during the academic year, in addition to a summer residential experience.

During First Star ASU sessions, students will participate in academic workshops, life-skills workshops, career exploration, community building and recreational activities, social skills workshops and dining together.

Youth are selected through completing the application process. Two adult recommendations and a scholar’s transcripts, disciplinary record, and attendance record are reviewed. An interview will be held with First Star ASU staff prior to a decision being made.

Students are eligible if they meet one or more of the following 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

Caregivers, social workers, schools, attorneys/legal representatives and community agencies involved in youth advocacy.