STARS Virtual Panel: College to Career (Social Sciences)

July 1st 2025, 7:00 pm CDT

Join STARS representatives from Amherst College, University of California-Berkeley, University of Chicago, and SMU to learn more about how STARS member schools support their students as they pursue a wide variety of careers in the Social Sciences. From archaeology to business to psychology, and everything in between, STARS member schools have programs to set their students up for success in hundreds of careers using their degrees in the Social Sciences. We'll explore the wide variety of resources and opportunities available to you as you think about your future!

STARS Virtual Panel: Adulting 101 (Transition Series)

July 15th 2025, 7:00 pm CDT

The transition from high school to college can be challenging — not just academically, but as you take on new responsibilities and navigate young adulthood. Join STARS representatives from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Colby College, Spelman College, and the University of Arkansas for a conversation about how to prepare for this exciting next chapter and manage the changes that come with it. This webinar is geared towards students starting college in Fall 2025.

STARS Virtual Panel: College to Career (Humanities)

August 5th 2025, 7:00 pm CDT

Join STARS representatives from Northwestern University, University of Denver, University of Iowa, and the University of Texas at Austin to learn more about how STARS member schools support their students as they pursue a wide variety of careers in the Humanities. From art therapy to graphic design to writing, and everything in between, STARS member schools have programs to set their students up for success in hundreds of careers using their Humanities degrees. We'll explore the wide variety of resources and opportunities available to you as you think about your future!

STARS@MIT Fly-in for Juniors

July 31st 2025, 11:59 pm EDT

The STARS@MIT Fly-in is a fully funded, three-day program for U.S. high school juniors (graduating in 2027) from rural and small-town communities. We encourage applications from U.S. high school juniors who live in a rural or small-town community; are intellectually curious, community-minded, and excited to learn; have a strong interest in STEM, especially at the intersection with the humanities; may attend schools with limited access to AP/IB courses, advanced coursework, or college counseling.

The STARS Fly-In will take place October 16-18, 2025. During your time on campus, you’ll:

• Stay in a residence hall with a current MIT student

• Explore labs, classrooms, and makerspaces

• Take a deep dive into student life at MIT

• Tour Cambridge and Boston with fellow rural/small-town students (yes, we’ll even teach you how to ride the T!)

• Attend workshops on admissions specifically geared to help rural and small-town students navigate the college admissions process

• Reflect on your identity, community, and future goals

Deadline: July 31, 2025

Program Dates: October 16-18, 2025

Brown & Amherst STARS Fly-ins for Seniors

August 1st 2025, 11:59 pm CDT

The application for 2025 STARS College Network fly-in programs is now open! These programs are selective, all-expense-paid opportunities for students to visit a STARS College Network member campus for three days and two nights. During the fly-in programs, students will learn more about how to navigate the college application process, experience life on a residential college campus, and meet other talented and passionate students from across rural America.

These programs are free, and include funding for travel, transportation to and from the college campus, and all meals and activities during the visit. Space is limited and the application process is selective.

Students can apply to multiple fly-in programs through one easy application! The following programs are now available for high school seniors (must be graduating in Spring 2026):

• Amherst College in Amherst, MA from September 26-29, 2025

• Brown University in Providence, RI from October 5-7, 2025

A nomination from an educator is recommended as part of the application process.

Applications are due by August 1, 2025 and decisions will be released in late August.

Caltech Close Up Fly-in for Seniors

August 6th 2025, 11:59 pm CDT

Caltech Up Close 2025 is a selective, all-expenses paid program open to all students that reside and will graduate from high school in the U.S. in 2026. The program is designed for students of promise and will focus on the experiences of students from disadvantaged backgrounds (e.g. rural or small town, socioeconomically diverse, etc.). selected participants will have opportunities to:

• Explore Caltech's 124-acre campus.

• Connect with campus community members, including faculty and current students.

• Discover undergrad academics, research and internships, as well as student life.

• Analyze application tips and requirements.

• Grasp admissions and financial aid processes.

• Experience a glimpse of life in Southern California.

Deadline: August 6, 2025

Program Dates: October 11-13, 2025