FAMU launches Stellar Student Program for underrepresented high schoolers

Donald Palm, III, co-coordinator of the Stellar Student Program

One hundred Leon County high school juniors and seniors have been selected to participate in the
FAMU Consortium of Outreach Programs’ (CORP) inaugural Stellar Student Program.

The program is designed to cultivate college preparedness and stimulate interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers in underrepresented youth who show academic promise.

The program’s launch will be officially celebrated on Saturday, Jan. 11, at 10:45 a.m. in the FAMU DRS cafeteria, located at 400 W. Orange Ave. Leon County Schools officials and members of the FAMU administration team will be in attendance.

The Stellar Student Program, which was instituted in December 2013, will offer scholars one-on-one academic coaching and exposure to STEM opportunities through FAMU and other post-secondary institutions. Monthly meetings and activities will be held throughout the school year to ensure the academic and overall success of the participants.

“This program reflects FAMU’s continued efforts to make a positive and productive imprint in the lives of underrepresented students, as well as its mission to infuse the STEM fields with promising minority scholars,” said Donald Palm, III, associate vice president for academic affairs, who co-administers the program with Mark Howse.

Program participants were selected based on recommendations from principals at FAMU Developmental Research School (DRS), Amos P. Godby High School, James L. Rickards High School and Lincoln High School.

Each program participant will be tracked under an individualized academic success plan, and will be mentored by FAMU faculty members and college students who will help guide them toward their prospective collegiate and career paths. Local teens, which have been recognized as model students by their principals, will also serve as peer mentors to provide inspiration to the program participants.