STARS Virtual Panel: Financial Aid 101

December 3rd 2024, 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 us this month to learn about about how to plan financially for college and how to apply for financial aid and scholarships.

STARS Virtual Panel: Spring & Summer Programs

January 7th 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 the STARS College Network this month to learn more about upcoming spring and summer programs designed to bring rural and small-town high school students (of all grade levels!) to different college campuses so they can “test drive” the college experience at little or no cost.

Yale Young Global Scholars

January 10th 2025, 12:00 am EST

Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) is one of the most globally diverse, two-week academic summer programs in the world. Our curriculum is highly collaborative, exposing participants to innovative topics while facilitating student discussions shaped by international perspectives. Students have the opportunity to participate in a STEM, social sciences, humanities, or cross-disciplinary track.

STARS Scholarships will be awarded to selected students who self-identify as living in and/or attending school in rural and small-town areas in the United States, as part of Yale University’s commitment to supporting these students on their path to and through college. The scholarship covers full tuition and travel costs for students to attend any of the YYGS sessions offered in 2025.

In order to be considered, students must apply by January 10, 2025.

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.

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 December 17, 2024. After the priority deadline, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until early March, if space remains available.