STAR (Scholars on Target to Achieve Results) is an initiative working to build equitable educational opportunities for Black Scholars in the Fox Cities.
The STAR Team serves to advocate, mentor, connect, and guide Black scholars. STAR is led by Kayla McNamara, Senior Director of Diversity & Targeted Programs.
In the Media
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- 2/4/23: WBAY-TV 2: Appleton celebrates Black History Month with unique event
- 12/1/22: Insight on Business, Lori Kaye Lodes: Rising Stars
- 11/16/21: NBC-26, Noelle Friel: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley ‘STAR’ program helps students reach for the stars
- 03/01/18: Community Foundation for the Fox Valley, The Loop: Achievement Gap Under Attack with STAR Power
- 06/13/18: Community Foundation for the Fox Valley, The Loop: STAR Program To Focus On Opportunity
- 06/21/18: United Way Fox Cities Blog: Inspiring Students to Reach for the Stars
- 11/02/18: WHBY. Fresh Take with Hayley Tenpas: LIFE in Motion: Student Performance
Funding
Funding for the STAR program is made possible by generous support including gifts from Ascension, the Appleton Area School District, Miller Electric Mfg. Co., an ITW Company, United Way Fox Cities, Thrivent, ThedaCare Community Health Action Team Fund*, Community Vision Fund*, and the Basic Needs Giving Partnership Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region supported by the U.S. Venture Fund for Basic Needs, the J. J. Keller Foundation, Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region*, and other community partners.
The STAR initiative is a collaboration involving the Appleton Area School District, Lawrence University, St. Norbert College, Fox Valley Technical College, University of Wisconsin System, African Heritage Inc., and ThedaCare. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley fulfills the role of the backbone organization.
*A fund or supporting organization located within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, Inc.
Meet the STAR Team
The Team serves as mentors and connect with youth 1:1 and in groups during the school day at school site and at after school programming in community. They also work to provide additional support within the school structure among existing systems of support for students to further ensure student success and goal attainment.
Working with key school staff through the Check & Connect Intervention Model and Developmental Relationships Framework, STAR ensures that the needs/opportunities of Black students are identified and made accessible.
- Kayla McNamara, Senior Director of Diversity & Targeted Programs
- Dennetra Williams, STAR Director
- Sherman Calloway, STAR Assistant Director, Appleton West High School
- Briaun Hollie, STAR Advisor, Appleton East High School
- Deanté Jefferson, STAR Advisor, Appleton North High School
- Courtney Hardin, STAR Coordinator, Madison & Einstein Middle School
- Bright Boachie, STAR Coordinator, Wilson & Magellan Middle School
- Justin “JJ” Simpson, STAR Coordinator, Appleton North High School
- Kala Lones, STAR Coordinator, Kaleidoscope Academy
To learn more about STAR contact Kayla McNamara, Senior Director of Diversity & Targeted Programs at kmcnamara@bgclubfoxvalley.org for more information.
