California Renews Funding for First Star College Prep
The state budget includes support for the foster youth program for a fourth consecutive year.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Financial Aid
Live Poll
Should states prioritize funding specialized educational programs for youth in the foster care system?
California state officials have secured funding for the First Star College Prep program in the latest state budget. This marks the fourth year that the state has provided financial support for the initiative.
Why it matters
The program serves as a critical support system for foster youth, a group that often struggles to navigate the traditional education system. The state funding ensures the continued operation of university-based academies designed to foster long-term academic success.
First Star scholars achieve a 97% high school graduation rate, significantly outpacing the 50% national average for foster youth. Additionally, 82% of participants attend college, compared to the 10% national rate for their peers.
The players
First Star
This organization operates academic programs on university campuses that focus on supporting middle school students in the foster care system.
The details
First Star operates academies on university campuses to provide foster youth with intensive preparation for their future careers. These programs act as a lifeline for middle school students who are at high risk of falling through the cracks of the education system.
Timeline
October 27, 2026: First Star hosts the Celebration for Champions for Foster Care.
Culture Shift
The consistent inclusion of First Star in the California state budget reflects a broader societal shift toward prioritizing educational equity for foster youth. This move aligns with a growing movement to provide specialized resources to mitigate systemic disparities in graduation outcomes.
Students and families in the foster care system can benefit from the stable, long-term educational support offered by these campus-based academies. This consistent state funding ensures that these essential academic resources remain accessible to local foster youth.
The takeaway
The sustained success of First Star demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted educational interventions for vulnerable populations. Families and educators can advocate for similar long-term programs that provide consistent support structures for students in transition.
What happens next
First Star is scheduled to host the Celebration for Champions for Foster Care on October 27, 2026, in Los Angeles.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest resources and support programs at California Financial Aid.
More information
To support the mission or learn more about the program, visit the First Star donation and support portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FOX 11 Los Angeles.
Live Poll
Should states prioritize funding specialized educational programs for youth in the foster care system?
