West Virginia University

Academic STARS Program
(Students Reaching for and Achieving Success)

Sponsored by:
The WVU Center for Black Culture and Research

From June 21, 2009 to July 25, 2009 West Virginia University offered a program for newly enrolled African American freshman designed to enrich their college experience. Entitled Academic STARS (Students Achieving and Reaching Success) the program is designed to help students build a solid academic foundation, develop self awareness, and enhance their leadership potential.

Along with offering one credit bearing course, the experience included three workshops as well as a variety of social and cultural activities. Students were also required to participate in a “Rites of Passage Program” which built on the knowledge that they obtained in their required classes.

The program will continue in the Fall, and students will have additional requirements such as attending related cultural programs, and being present for mandatory study tables. For this effort, they will receive a fall book scholarship which they may use in the WVU Bookstore.

This program is fully funded, and students only need additional money for their personal needs.

To be eligible for the STARS Program you must be a first year African American student who is carrying at least a 2.75 in your High School Program. You must also have transcript evidence of extra-curricular activities, or verifiable proof of some type of community service.

If you are interested in participating in Academic STARS 2010, please regularly check our website. We will update application information later in the year. You can also call us at the WVU Center for Black Culture and Research, (304) 293-7029, or e-mail us at marjorie.fuller@mail.wvu.edu. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.