What is the Stars Foundation Program?
The STARS Foundation provides a comprehensive support program designed to help Indigenous girls and young women complete their schooling, and smoothly transition into the workforce or further education. Central to the program’s success is the establishment of strong, trusting relationships between our full-time Mentors and Gilmore College participants or “Stars”. Through engaging and creative activities, students build self-esteem, confidence, and essential life skills that support their academic and personal growth. Some of these activities are camps and excursions, STARS carnivals, Career Expos and/or Employment forums, Alumni events, Year 12 trips and End of Year Celebration Events.
What does STARS offers?
The STARS Foundation Program addresses Years 7-12 students and continues to offer assistance up to the age of 25, including help with traineeships and apprenticeships. It is underpinned by four pillars of personal development that proves its holistic approach: Education, Training and Employment, Healthy Lifestyles, Wellbeing and Community, Culture & Leadership.
The STARS room offers a culturally respectful and nurturing environment where the girls feel valued and inspired.
Factors Driving Demand for STARS Programs
The growth of the STARS Foundation is fuelled by strong recommendations and endorsements from First Nations communities. Several factors contribute to the program’s increasing popularity:
- Community Engagement: Each new program launch involves thorough consultation with local First Nations communities and schools, ensuring that the needs and aspirations of the community are addressed during the recruitment process.
- Dedicated Team: The STARS team is highly committed to mentoring and empowering Indigenous girls, fostering meaningful relationships with students, their families, and school staff.
- Positive Impact: Graduates of the STARS program frequently speak highly of its influence on their education, career paths, and overall lives, which inspires younger students.
- Family and Community Support: First Nations parents and guardians observe significant positive changes in their daughters through the STARS program, benefiting families and communities as a whole.
- Proven Results: The STARS Foundation consistently achieves excellent outcomes annually.
For more information about the STARS program, please email or phone the school – Gilmore.College@education.wa.edu.au or (08) 6595 2700.
Visit the Stars Foundation | Supporting Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Girls website.
