Overview
What is First Star Inc?
First Star Inc is a dedicated nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles, California, with a mission to enhance the lives of foster children and those at risk of abuse and neglect. They accomplish this through a unique four-year program called Foster Youth Academies, which partners with universities across the nation. This program provides a supportive environment for high school foster youth, inspiring them to envision themselves in higher education and helping them make the transition. Each summer, these youth reside on an elite college campus, returning monthly during the school year. This university becomes a second home, equipping them with essential life skills for adulthood, advocacy skills, and ensuring they exit foster care with lifelong adult supporters. The ultimate goal is to improve the lives of foster youth by equipping them with the skills needed for successful higher education and future independence. First Star Inc employs a team of 10 individuals to carry out its mission.
Official website here: www.firststar.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: 97%, Four-Star out of Four Stars
First Star Inc has received an impressive Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its strong commitment to accountability and financial health. With a score of 96 in Accountability & Finance, the organization demonstrates effective oversight and a solid operational structure. The charity boasts 100% independent board membership and has no reported material diversion of assets, showcasing a high level of transparency and integrity in its financial practices.
User feedback emphasizes the positive impact First Star has on foster youth, with volunteers and board members highlighting the innovative programs that aid these individuals in achieving educational success. The organization has effectively scaled its services nationally and is actively pursuing strategic goals to enhance its infrastructure and diversity, particularly in leadership roles.
However, while the ratings indicate robust leadership and adaptability, the organization continues to face the challenge of maintaining its momentum and effectiveness post-COVID. Their proactive approach, including the launch of the First Star National STEAM Academy, reflects a commitment to addressing such challenges and enhancing their program delivery in a rapidly changing environment.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator and Great Nonprofits.
What do the Facebook reviews say about First Star Inc?
94% of reviewers on Facebook recommend First Star Inc. Here’s a summary of their responses:
The reviews highlight the organization's dedication to supporting youth in the foster care system through their First Star Academies. Users appreciate the commitment to empowering these young individuals and helping them achieve success, noting the impactful programs provided.
Overall, supporters feel that First Star Inc effectively delivers valuable resources and assistance to foster youth, making a positive difference in their lives.
This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.
Is First Star Inc legitimate?
First Star Inc is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. First Star Inc submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.
Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:
Executive Compensation: $276,117
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $360,421
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.firststar.org
What is the mission statement of First Star Inc?
First Star Inc's mission is centered around improving the lives of foster children and those at risk of abuse and neglect. They aim to achieve this by collaborating with child welfare agencies, universities, and school districts. The primary goal is to prepare foster youth for a successful transition to higher education and adulthood.
To accomplish this, First Star Inc. introduces Foster Youth Academies, a four-year program for high school foster youth. These academies provide a college campus environment during the summer, fostering a sense of belonging and academic achievement. Throughout the school year, foster youth return for regular sessions, turning the university into a second home that inspires and enables them.
The program focuses on academic success, equipping foster youth with essential life skills for adulthood. It also trains them to advocate for themselves and others, ensuring they exit foster care with lifelong adult supporters. Overall, First Star Inc. seeks to transform the lives of foster youth from adversity to academic achievement and self-sufficiency.
Official website here: www.firststar.org
Who is the CEO of First Star Inc?
Peter Samuelson is the Director of First Star Inc. The CEO's salary of First Star Inc is $162,249 and their total compensation is $162,249.
Official website here: www.firststar.org
What is the revenue of First Star Inc?
First Star Inc's revenue in 2022 was $1,266,336.
Official website here: www.firststar.org
Who are the executives of First Star Inc and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at First Star Inc during 2022 was $63,654. There are 10 employees and 100 volunteers at First Star Inc.
Here are 16 key members and their salaries (First Star Inc's CEO's salary is $162,249 and their total compensation is $162,249):
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Official website here: www.firststar.org
Where can I find the form 990 for First Star Inc?
First Star Inc's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.firststar.org
Learn more at the official website: www.firststar.org
Mission Statement of First Star Inc
First Star Inc, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to improving the lives of foster children and children at risk of abuse and neglect. Their mission is multifaceted, focusing on partnering with child welfare agencies, universities, and school districts to ensure that foster youth have the necessary skills to successfully transition to higher education and adulthood.
At the heart of First Star Inc's mission is the Foster Youth Academies program. This program collaborates with universities across the nation, making a long-term investment in foster youth with the goal of transforming their lives from a background of abuse and neglect to academic achievement and self-sufficiency. The academies provide a four-year program for high school foster youth, showcasing to them that they belong on a college campus and helping them achieve their goal of higher education.
During the summer, foster youth live on an elite college campus, fostering a sense of belonging and inspiration. They return one to two days each month during the school year, maintaining a connection with the campus that serves as a second home. The academies are designed to keep youth on track for academic success, equip them with life skills essential for adulthood, train them to advocate for themselves and others, and ensure that all youth exit foster care with lifelong adult supporters.
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Impact
October, 2024
First Star Inc significantly enhances the lives of foster children and those at risk of abuse and neglect through its transformative Foster Youth Academies. By partnering with universities nationwide, First Star creates long-term educational opportunities that empower foster youth and encourage them to aspire toward higher education.
Each Foster Youth Academy provides a structured four-year program for high school students in foster care, offering them the chance to live on a prestigious college campus during the summer and return monthly during the school year. This unique experience helps foster youth envision themselves as college students, instilling a sense of belonging and motivating them to pursue academic excellence.
The program not only focuses on academic success but also provides essential life skills training, enabling participants to navigate adulthood confidently. Participants learn self-advocacy and are equipped with the tools necessary to transition successfully into independent living. Additionally, First Star ensures that all youth exit the foster care system with a robust support network of lifelong adult mentors, further solidifying their chances for success.
In Los Angeles and across the country, First Star Inc impacts the trajectory of these young lives, turning potential challenges into opportunities for growth and achievement.
This information is meant to be a general summary of First Star Inc. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.
Financials
This financial information is from Propublica.
Other financial information:
This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.
- Investment Income: $15
- Gross Receipts: $1,266,336
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $1,566,269
- Total Liabilities: $767
- Net Assets: $1,565,502
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Organization Details
Founding Year
2000
Phone
(310) 208-1000Principal Officer
Peter Samuelson
Main Address
2049 CENTURY PARK EAST 4320, LOS ANGELES, CA, 90067
Website
www.firststar.orgNTEE Category
Code: P20 - Human services
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