History of S.T.A.R. Academy
The
S.T.A.R. (Students That Are Ready) Academy was founded at
Lehigh University by Dr. and Mrs. Henry Odi. Mrs. Odi conducted
sessions on needs assessments at Broughal Middle School
in the spring of 1989. The results indicated the need for
an intervention program designed to enrich and enhance the
academic performances of economically and academically disadvantaged
at-risk students.
In the fall of 1989, Lehigh University welcomed twenty teacher-nominated
students from Broughal Middle School to the first session
of the S.T.A.R. Academy. Paired with specially trained Lehigh
student-volunteer tutor/mentors, participants in the program
met on eight Saturdays for a full day of educational enrichment
activities. The focus was primarily on math and science.
A typical day included one-on-one tutoring sessions in the
morning, followed by lunch and a variety of Lehigh faculty
led, hands-on learning experiences-all at no cost to the
students. These activities were designed to achieve the
S.T.A.R. Academy Mission: To develop our students intellectually,
socially, spiritually, and emotionally in order that they
will become productive citizens in our society.
The S.T.A.R. Academy is made possible through a partnership
of Lehigh University, participating school districts, area
businesses and organizations, and parents. It is a dedicated
group of people and organizations working together to achieve
the following goals:
Improve the academic performances of its students.
Encourage students to complete high school as well as to
explore college opportunities.
Provide adequate exposure to the fields of science, information
technology, mathematics, engineering, the arts, business
and economics.
Promote greater self-esteem and motivation among students;
enhance the university experiences of the volunteer tutor/mentors;
and establish strong parent/guardian involvement in the
education of his/her child.
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About Our Mission
We
work with schools in a common mission to empower students
and to prepare economically and academically disadvantaged
at-risk students for higher education. Such students typically
lack the self-esteem, motivation, and parental support they
need to succeed academically. The student participants come
from racially diverse backgrounds such as African American,
Latino, Caucasian and Asian. Without intervention, these
students not only fail to enter the college-preparation
pipeline, but also are likely to drop out of high school
altogether.
Our aim is to
develop our students intellectually, socially, spiritually,
and emotionally so that they will become productive citizens
in our society.
The S.T.A.R. Academy is dedicated to serving the needs of
these students through:
• Strong parental involvement
• Related college and corporate field trips
• Reading, writing, communication, critical-thinking, and
study skills
• Intensive one-on-one tutoring and mentoring in all academic
subjects
• Hands-on learning under the direction of Lehigh University
faculty
• Interaction with positive role models
• College and career counseling
Quantitative and qualitative data indicate that the Academy
is succeeding in its mission. Academic achievement has improved
dramatically. Many S.T.A.R. students are consistently on the Honor
Roll. The program also enjoys high student retention rates
for its tutor/mentors. Students not previously interested
in higher education are enrolled in college-preparatory
courses, and 90% of our graduates go on to
college.
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Our Philosophy
S.T.A.R. Academy (Students That Are Ready) believe in the
following:
• All children are precious gifts from God and deserve to
be treated as such.
• All parents have the responsibility to love, nurture, teach,
and train their children. The S.T.A.R. Academy will do all it
can to assist in supporting this effort.
• All children have a right and deserve the opportunity to
be educated. The S.T.A.R. Academy is designed to assist in the
education process.
• People are our greatest resource. The involvement of
our tutor-mentors; faculty, staff, parents/guardians, community
leaders, school personnel and sponsors is essential to
achieving S.T.A.R. ACADEMY'S goals and objectives.
• All things are possible if we have faith and the willingness
to work hard.
Always remember:
You are loved,
You are able, and
You can make a difference.
By Dr. Henry and Curtissa Odi,
Founders of S.T.A.R. Academies
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