STARS Program
The Summer Talent Academy for Rising Stars (STARS) Program supports selected incoming freshmen and is designed to familiarize them with the rigor of KU’s academic experience. It includes mentorship, advisement, support, and social activities. The program is a five-week experience that provides two courses (six college-level credits). Highly motivated and engaged students will get the most from this college-readiness program.
The program includes:
- Completion of two college-level courses.
- Participation in student success and major exploration workshops.
- Engagement in social activities designed to build a support network of peers.
- Networking with professors, peer mentors, and student success team.
Benefits of STARS:
- Becoming familiar with the campus before the start of the semester.
- Connecting closely with other new students.
- Preparation for the work and studying that is required in college.
- Learning about the campus resources that foster student success.
- Ongoing meetings during the following academic semesters with program administrators and faculty to address questions, concerns, and opportunities.
- Higher persistence and retention rates than most students on campus.
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Program Dates
The STARS program commitment runs from July 7 until August 7, 2025. The commitment is roughly 9:00 AM until about 8:00 PM with time for meals, breaks, and study sessions.
Students participating in the STARS program attend orientation when they move in for the program.
The specific daily schedule will be shared with students when they arrive to campus. Students will reside in Rothermel Hall during the STARS program. See this packing list to learn what to bring to STARS!
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Eligibility
Students will be selected for the program during the admissions process. Factors including high school GPA and SAT/ACT scores will be used to determine an invitation to the program.
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Accepting the Offer to STARS
Students who are invited to interview for the STARS program must successfully pass the interview in order to be invited to participate in the program. Your invitation to the STARS program must be confirmed by submission of the Advanced Registration Deposit (ARD) to reserve your spot. Space in the program is on a first-come basis. The first 50 students to accept the offer by paying the ARD will be in the program. You must successfully complete the STARS program in order to enroll at KU for the Fall semester.
STARS students must attend the July 8 orientation program. Date information can be located at www.kutztown.edu/orientation.
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Completion of the Program
STARS program students who achieve a 'C' grade or better in both courses will be able to pursue their studies at Kutztown University in the next semester. Students in the program who do not achieve a 'C' grade or better in both courses can pursue their studies at Kutztown University in the Spring semester if they attend their local community college and earn 12 or more college-level credits with a 2.0 or higher GPA. STARS students must remain in good disciplinary standing before, during, and after the program.
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Program Costs
PA Residents: $3800 will cover tuition, fees, books, social activities, housing, and meals.
Out-of-State Residents: $3900 will cover tuition, fees, books, social activities, housing, and meals.
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Financial Aid
STARS students who qualify can use federal financial aid to pay for all or a portion of the program costs. STARS students who wish to use federal financial aid must submit their 2023-24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) prior to June 1, 2024.
A representative from the KU Financial Aid Services Office has been assigned to help STARS students with financial aid questions at 610-683-4077. Please identify yourself as a STARS student when you call.
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Requesting Accommodations from the Disability Services Office
Upon acceptance to Kutztown University, students should complete and submit the Accommodation Request Form from the Disability Service Office (DSO). This form is the means by which a student self-discloses a disability and is the first step in the process of requesting accommodations at KU. Click here for comprehensive information on requesting accommodations.
Program Contact
For admissions questions, contact Liz Wieller.
For all other program questions, contact Dr. Andrea Kirshman.
