Supporting low-income adult parents in pursuit of college degrees, professional licenses or certificates.

Hear From Our Scholars

Tara Kerns, a STARS scholar from 2016-2019, upon enrollment Tara was a tutor at Iowa Western Community College helping other students become successful with their academics. Tara's biggest challenge was how would she attend classes full-time and have the means to pay for child care.
Tara says, "Child care was such a large expense that without the help of STARS, I would have not been able to attend classes full-time." Tara also felt that she could reach out to the staff at anytime she needed a listening ear or guidance on her next steps after graduation. "STARS was there whether it was when I needed help with a flat tire or purchasing a roller backpack for classes. "I loved all the support it was above and beyond, it really felt like an extension of family," says Tara.
Tara is now a Registered Dental Hygienist at Bluffs Family Dentistry

Samantha Lee, a STARS scholar from 2014-2018, during which time she completed both her associate's and bachelor's degrees. Upon enrollment Samantha was a single mom and working at a local childcare provider earning $11.00/hr."Samantha says, " STARS was more than a financial support, it helped guide me when I veered off my path, empowered me when I had anxiety about student teaching and gave me someone to talk with when I needed it most,  I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a STARS scholar, it truly is one of the reasons I was able to purchase my own home." Samantha is now a teacher within the Council Bluffs Community Schools District and working towards her Masters Degree in Special Education.