History of S.T.A.R. Academy

The S.T.A.R. (Students That Are Ready) program was founded at Lehigh University by Mrs. Curtissa Odi in the fall of 1989. S.T.A.R. was designed as an early intervention program to enrich and enhance the academic performance of economically and academically disadvantaged and/or at-risk middle school aged children. The first class was 20 students from Broughal Middle School who were paired with a Lehigh University student-volunteer. The program met on five Saturdays for a half a day, which included one-on-one tutoring/mentoring, lunch, and demonstration sessions at no cost to students and families.
In 1991, Dr. & Mrs. Henry Odi added communication, study skills, and hands-on learning sessions to the program for a broader educational experience. The program expanded to include high school students, began offering free breakfast and lunch, added Saturdays and extended their length. Student enrollment doubled as a result of a formalized application process and increased partnerships with local organizations.

Demand from schools and surrounding communities increased, so S.T.A.R. began accepting students from other schools. A three week summer camp program in math and science for 6th-8th graders, was added to further support demand. To adequately reflect the comprehensiveness of these activities, the name was changed to S.T.A.R. Academy.

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.

Students develop intellectually, socially, spiritually, and emotionally so they will become productive citizens in our society.

The S.T.A.R. Academy is dedicated to serving the needs of these students through:

One-on-one tutoring and mentoring in all academic subjects
Reading, writing, communication, critical-thinking, and study skills
Interaction with positive role models
College and career counseling
Strong parental involvement
Hands-on learning

Quantitative and qualitative data indicate that the Academy is succeeding in its mission. Academic achievement has improved dramatically. S.T.A.R. students are consistently on the Honor Roll. If a student remains in S.T.A.R. Academy, 100% graduate from high school!

Our Philosophy

We believe that:

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 and this Academy will do all it can to assist in supporting this effort.
All children have a right and deserve the opportunity to be educated and this Academy is designed to assist in the education process.
People are our greatest resource and the involvement of our tutor-mentors, faculty, staff, parents/guardians, community leaders, school personnel and sponsors will contribute to achieving the Academy's goals and objectives.
All things are possible if we have faith and the willingness to work hard.
You are loved, you are able and you can make a difference.