About the Program
Academic S.T.A.R.S. (Students Achieving and Reaching for Success) is a cultural transition and retention program designed with newly admitted African American, Latinx, Hispanic, Native American and Multiracial first-year students in mind. The program prepares students to achieve academic success, enrich their college experience and explore their cultural heritage. All students are welcome to join.
The program started in 1990 to support the successful transition of our African American students into their first year of college. After several years, the program expanded to include Latinx and Native American students. We have over 600 alumni of the program across the nation. This program demonstrates great success in student retention of over 85% and graduation over 79%. Students share their experiences with the program as pivotal to their success in college.
“The program helped me understand the significance of being African American and my history. It made me remember all the things that had to happen for me to be here today.”
– Jordan Wilkins, a 2013 S.T.A.R.S. student
Goals of the Program
As a result of participating in the program, students will:
- Develop academic, personal, professional and social skills.
- Establish a community with peers, faculty and staff at Kent State University.
- Enrich their cultural identity and self-awareness.
RITES OF PASSAGE and additional programming
Students note that one of the most beneficial aspects of the program is the Rites of Passage Program, which is a week-long transformational experience where students participate in a series of workshops and ceremonies to learn more about culture, history and identity. This program is facilitated by Dr. David Whitaker of Atonkwa Development Company. Dr. Whitaker, better known as Nana to our students, earned his doctorate degree in Educational Psychology at Case Western Reserve University and his Juris Doctorate degree from Cleveland Marshall College of Law. Dr. Whitaker has been a career educator and cultural advocate for over four decades in his unrelenting quest to aid the development of urban students, families and communities. Most notably, Dr. Whitaker earned his name “Nana” from a chief in Ghana, thus becoming chief of a village in Ghana. Without Nana, the Academic S.T.A.R.S. program is a much less impactful program.
Students not only learn and connect with their cultural heritage, but they also have the opportunity to learn helpful practices to ensure they are successful throughout their first year in college. One of those practices is developing a community with peers, faculty and staff. Students develop a close connection to their cohort of students, faculty within the Department of Pan African Studies and the Student Multicultural Center (SMC). The Department of Pan African Studies continues to be a partner in developing and instructing the curriculum for the Academic S.T.A.R.S. program. The SMC ensures that all these pieces come together through intentional workshops, community building and programmatic structure.
Celebrating 30 Years
The Academic S.T.A.R.S. program has become a staple to the Kent State University and this summer will be the 30th Anniversary of the program. The Student Multicultural Center plans to host a reunion for past alum of the program and celebrate the longevity of this influential program that has made such a lasting impact on hundreds of students and their families. The SMC hopes to continue this program for 30 more years with the goal of continued student development and success. .
Program Cost
The program is free with the exception an administrative fee of approximately $100. Students selected to this program will receive two university-level classes, meals and lodging during the six-week program.
Important Dates
- Monday, Jan. 3 - Academic S.T.A.R.S. application opens
- Sunday, April 3 - Academic S.T.A.R.S. application closes
- Thursday, June 9 - Academic S.T.A.R.S. classes begin
- Friday, July 22 - Academic S.T.A.R.S. program ends
Additional information can be found by visiting the Academic S.T.A.R.S. webpage.