Welcome! We're Glad You're Here!
First Star's Foster Youth Academies are the country's first long-term college-prep programs for high school foster youth that include four immersive residential summers on a university campus and monthly sessions during each school year. We keep foster youth on track for high school graduation and prepare them for higher education and adulthood by providing specialized programming that addresses the academics, life skills, and adult supports unique to students in foster care.
Below are opportunities and resources available to members of First Star Old Dominion University Academy. Don't hesitate to join us, we're waiting on you. Click here!
Upcoming Meetings
Fall 2024
- October 19
- November 16
- December 14
Spring 2025
- January 11
- February 8
- March 15
- April 12
- May 10 (Subject to Change)
Summer 2025
- To Be Determined
Student Volunteer Opportunities
Interested in becoming a student volunteer? Click learn more for additional information. Program Start Date: Saturday, September 30th.
Academy Programming Includes:
4 year college prep program for foster youth focused on academic and life skills.
Intensive 3-4 week residential enrichment program on university campus.
Leadership opportunity for scholars focused on becoming civically engaged and enacting change in their local communities.
Monthly Virtual sessions and access to online courses that focus on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
Weekly mentoring and tutoring sessions, as well as an open environment to connect and build community through virtual hangouts.
Seminars and workshops to provide tools to caregivers to become advocates for their youth.
Offered to scholars who graduate from the Academy as a resource for those transitioning to adulthood.
Sample Meeting Agenda:
| Time: | Activity: |
| 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. | Students Arrive |
| 9:00 - 9:30 a.m. | Breakfast & Review of The Day |
| 9:30 - 10:00 a.m. | Team Activity |
| 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | SAT Prep/Vocab Quiz |
| 11:00 - Noon | SAT Prep/Math Bootcamp |
| Noon - 1:00 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. | Life Skills Workshop/Guest Speaker |
| 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. | Homework Help |
| 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Free Time/ Students Depart |
"I loved it!" - 9th Grader
"I enjoy rock climbing." - 9th Grader.
"I enjoy exploring the campus."- 9th Grader.
"I love this group!" - 9th Grader.
"I found a new friend." - 8thGrader.
ODU First Star Sponsors
- Norfolk Department of Human Services
- Norfolk Children’s Services Act Office
- First Star