Please join us at our upcoming STARS College Network events! We offer a wide variety of virtual sessions and local programs for students and parents, covering everything from starting the college search process to planning financially for a college education.
Virtual Event
The Rural Student Perspective at University of Iowa
January 28th 2025, 6:00 pm CST
This session is for students to learn more about being a rural or small-town student at the University of Iowa. Our Small Town and Rural Student Ambassadors will share their experiences and will be available to answer any questions.
Host: The University of IowaVirtual Event
STARS Virtual Panel: The College Search Process
February 4th 2025, 7:00 pm CST
Every month, STARS College Network member schools host Zoom webinars featuring a variety of perspectives on the academic programs, philosophies, and traditions that make our colleges great places to live and learn. Join Auburn University, SMU, Stanford University, and Yale University this month to learn more about getting started with your college search process. We'll discuss college search resources and brainstorming ideas to help you find the school that is the best fit for you!
Host: Auburn University, SMU, Stanford University, Yale UniversityVirtual Event
The Rural Student Perspective at University of Iowa
February 18th 2025, 6:00 pm CST
This session is for students to learn more about being a rural or small-town student at the University of Iowa. Our Small Town and Rural Student Ambassadors will share their experiences and will be available to answer any questions.
Host: The University of IowaVirtual Event
STARS Virtual Panel: Applying to College as a Transfer Student
February 18th 2025, 7:00 pm CST
Every month, STARS College Network member schools host Zoom webinars featuring a variety of perspectives on the academic programs, philosophies, and traditions that make our colleges great places to live and learn. Join MIT, Spelman College, University of Denver, and University of Iowa this month to learn more about applying to colleges and universities as a transfer student. Whether you're switching colleges, making the transition from a 2-year to 4-year institution, or coming back to college after some time away, we'll discuss what to expect when applying to colleges and universities as a transfer student.
Host: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, The University of Iowa, University of Denver, Spelman CollegeVirtual Event
STARS Virtual Panel: Rural and Small-Town College Students
March 4th 2025, 7:00 pm CST
Every month, STARS College Network member schools host Zoom webinars featuring a variety of perspectives on the academic programs, philosophies, and traditions that make our colleges great places to live and learn. Join current college students from Brown University, Colby College, University of Maryland, and University of Wisconsin-Madison to learn more about college life and the transition from a rural or small-town high school to a large university!
Host: Brown University, Colby College, University of Maryland, College Park, University of Wisconsin-MadisonOn-Campus Event
WashU Rural Scholars Academy
March 1st 2025, 12:00 am CST
The WashU Rural Scholars Academy is a free one-week summer program for high school sophomores from rural and small-town high schools. Through a combination of lectures, discussion, and hands-on activities, students will learn about developing interpersonal, leadership, and academic skills. The program will also explore the process for highly-selective university admissions with the guidance of WashU admissions officers. Students will be exposed to the kinds of academic and professional development opportunities available in an urban center through group activities, including social activities, that showcase the city of St. Louis. The all-expenses-paid program will be hosted on WashU’s campus from July 13 - 19, 2025. All food, housing, and activities will be provided free of charge. Program participants must reside in on-campus housing for the duration of the program.
In order to be considered, students must apply by March 1, 2025.
Host: Washington University in St. LouisOn-Campus Event
Vanderbilt Summer Academy
March 3rd 2025, 12:00 am CDT
Vanderbilt Summer Academy (VSA) provides the perfect balance of an intensive academic environment combined with a community-driven residential experience.
At VSA you will join peers from around the world and stretch your intellectual boundaries through a wide range of course options. Courses vary each session and are taught by Vanderbilt faculty, Ph.D. students, and content experts.
As a part of Vanderbilt’s commitment to rural and small-town students, select STARS scholarships will be awarded to rising junior or senior students who live or attend school in a rural and small-town area in the United States, and present some level of financial need. The scholarship covers full tuition and travel costs for a student to attend a 1 week or 2 week VSA session offered in summer 2025.
The priority deadline is January 14, 2025. After the priority deadline, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until early March, if space remains available.
Host: Vanderbilt UniversityOn-Campus Event
Emerging Rural Leaders (11th) at UChicago
March 5th 2025, 11:59 pm CST
Top juniors from rural and small-town high schools are invited to apply for an opportunity to participate in Emerging Rural Leaders (11th), a week-long summer enrichment program from July 13-18. Selected students will spend their mornings in small, discussion-based classes led by top UChicago faculty; afternoons will be spent exploring the city of Chicago, meeting new friends from around the world, and participating in Admissions Academy programming to help them navigate the college application process. All expenses, including travel costs, are covered by a generous scholarship from Trott Family Philanthropies for students who apply for financial aid.
In order to be considered, students must complete a UChicago Summer Session application by March 5, 2025. More details about the program and application requirements can be found on the UChicago Summer Session website.
Host: The University of ChicagoOn-Campus Event
Emerging Rural Leaders (9th) at UChicago
March 5th 2025, 11:59 pm CST
Emerging Rural Leaders (9th) is a one week summer enrichment program for current high school freshmen. From July 27 - August 1, selected students will stay in residence at the University of Chicago, discuss what it means to be a leader in their communities, engage with UChicago professors and students, and participate in fun group activities around the city of Chicago. Program expenses, including travel costs, are covered by a generous scholarship from Trott Family Philanthropies for students applying for financial aid.
In order to be considered, students must complete a UChicago Summer Session application by March 5, 2025. More details about the program and application requirements can be found on the UChicago Summer Session website.
Host: The University of ChicagoOn-Campus Event
Emerging Rural Leaders (10th) at UChicago
March 5th 2025, 11:59 pm CST
Emerging Rural Leaders (10th) is a one week summer enrichment program for current high school sophomores. From July 20-25, selected students will stay in residence at the University of Chicago, discuss what it means to be a leader in their communities, engage with UChicago professors and students, and participate in fun group activities around the city of Chicago. Program expenses, including travel costs, are covered by a generous scholarship from Trott Family Philanthropies for students applying for financial aid.
In order to be considered, students must complete a UChicago Summer Session application by March 5, 2025. More details about the program and application requirements can be found on the UChicago Summer Session website.
Host: The University of ChicagoOn-Campus Event
START-UP at Northwestern University
March 15th 2025, 11:59 pm CST
In partnership with the STARS College Network, Northwestern’s Office of Undergraduate Admission is excited to team up with The Garage to host the Small Town and Rural Teen University Prep Innovation Intensive, or START-UP. This fully funded fly-in program for rising seniors will be hosted on Northwestern's campus in Evanston from June 26 - June 28, 2025.
START-UP will showcase the distinct resources and support available at Northwestern for young innovators, entrepreneurs, engineers, and more! Participants will stay on-campus in one of Northwestern's residential halls as they explore cutting-edge technologies for building a business or product, all while experiencing the best of Evanston and our neighboring hub of Chicago. START-UP participants will also meet current undergraduate students throughout the program and receive a deep-dive on the college application and financial aid processes at Northwestern. START-UP is meant for high-achieving rising seniors who attend a rural or small-town high school within the United States. Best-fit applicants for the program will be curious, creative, and ambitious thinkers excited by the idea of applied learning across multiple disciplines and by the possibility of attending Northwestern. The program is 100% funded, meaning that all travel, housing, and meal costs will be covered by Northwestern.
To be considered for the fly-in, students must apply by March 15, 2025.
Host: Northwestern University