FIRST STAR NJ
First Star partners with universities and child welfare agencies throughout the country to make a long-term investment in youth in foster care and help change the course of their lives, from abuse and neglect to academic achievement and self-sufficiency.
Our local First Star program is currently expanding statewide, and we are looking for community changers to help grow our team throughout New Jersey!
Current positions open within the First Star NJ network are: Executive Program Director, Student Support Specialists, and Student Coaches. Learn more about the positions below! To apply, send resume to fsnj@firststaracademy.org
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Executive
Program Director
The First Star NJ Executive Director shall possess strong communication, organizational, and managerial skills.
The Director must also exhibit strong leadership qualities necessary to oversee all aspects of the program through First Star NJ Academy, Mentoring Program and Case Management.
Student Support Specialists
First Star NJ is seeking Student Support Specialists to help grow our team as we expand statewide. First Star NJ is looking for a responsible and organized Scholar Support Specialist to advise and guide both potential scholars in the enrollment process as well as current First Star Scholars through their time in the program.
Student Coaches
First Star NJ is seeking Student Coaches to help grow our team as we expand statewide. Student Coaches will provide academic and program support through building rapport and maintaining an advocate/coaching relationship with assigned students. Send resume to fsnj@firststaracademy.org
Volunteer Mentors
First Star NJ is currently seeking Volunteer Mentors to assist the program in the following areas: Data Management, Social Media & Communication Support, Scholar Engagement, and Administrative Support. Interested applicants are encouraged to send their resumes to fsnj@firststaracademy.org
About Us
A national non-profit, First Star improves the lives of youth in foster care by partnering with child welfare agencies, universities, and school districts to ensure they have the education, life skills, and support system needed to successfully transition to adulthood. First Star's mission is pursued through innovative, university-based college-preparatory programs; providing technical assistance to stakeholders; and advocating for policy change.
The First Star New Jersey Foster Youth Academy is an innovative program that empowers high school foster youth to overcome abysmal foster youth education outcomes. Nationally, only 50% of foster youth graduate high school, and less than 3% earn a college degree. There are currently 8 Academies operating on university campuses throughout the country.
Through the Foster Youth Academy, cohorts of 30 rising 9th grade foster youth live on the university’s campus each summer throughout high school for 4-6 weeks during which they participate in remedial and college-prep academic programming and life skills workshops.