Established in 2015, Stars Foundation mentors and empowers around 4,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young women in 67+ primary and secondary schools operating across Australia. Stars Foundation began working with Cairns State High School in 2024.
Mission
To support and enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young women to make active choices towards realising their full potential in all aspects of their development and wellbeing.
Purpose
To improve education, health and employment outcomes for First Nations girls and young women.
Why Stars Exists
A good education lays the foundation for success in life, and achieving a higher level of education is one of the key factors most likely to reduce Indigenous disadvantage in Australia. The team at Stars Foundation believes in a future where all Australians have equitable access to a quality education. We believe in a future where First Nations girls and young women are given the same opportunities to thrive as First Nations boys, and all young Australians.
During recent years there has been a lot of investment made in supporting the education of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boys, resulting in some positive outcomes. Unfortunately, there has not been a matching level of investment in supporting the education of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
Stars Foundation was established in 2015 to address this situation. Since then, Stars has been offering specially tailored mentoring and support programs for First Nations young women.
Program Focus
Stars Foundation provides a holistic, full-time and in-school mentoring program that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young women to identify their goals and reach their full potential.
Stars offer a wide range of activities from sport and physical exercise to art, music and dance. Community and volunteering activities are also provided to support the young women to help build their confidence and provide opportunities for personal growth.
The Stars Foundation focuses on four pillars designed to improve health and education outcomes. These include:
- Education, Training and Employment - encourages active engagement in education and the development of positive plans for a successful transition into employment or further study;
- Healthy Lifestyles - addresses healthy habits for life including nutrition, self-care and personal hygiene, sport, and fitness;
- Wellbeing - focuses on personal wellbeing and mental health; and
- Community, Culture and Leadership - celebrates First Nations culture and encourages activity within communities which develops confidence and pride.
Further information
Sadiar Pitt, Stars Program Coordinator
Jessica Fatnowna, Stars Mentor
Alisha Wray, Stars Mentor