STAR Program

About

• The STAR (Successful Transition & Academic Retention) program is for incoming students who have experienced foster care, homelessness, or are the first to attend college in their family. The program provides direct services such as academic coaching, financial aid assistance, year round on-campus housing, professional and personal development.  The program also assists STAR students to reach degree completion at Casper College through various supportive services.

How to Qualify

• Students must be a previously registered student of Natrona County School District within the past 5 years.
• Students will need to meet 1 of these 3 qualifiers:
  • Homeless as defined by the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act: https://nche.ed.gov/mckinney-vento-definition/ or
  • Previous foster youth- Foster youth defined as in foster care or a ward of the court at any time, age 13 or older (age restriction comes from federal student aid and “independent status” restriction) or
  • First student in their family to go to college
• Student does not have an associates degree

Student Benefits

The amount of financial assistance awarded varies by student.  The total amount of financial need is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Those with the highest levels of need will be given priority.

• Access to year round on campus housing and housing cost assistance
• Tuition scholarships
• 1:1 personalized academic coaching and advising
• Textbook assistance
• Access to Emergency Funds
• Access to on campus computer labs
• Free printing on campus
• Access to check out laptops and Ipads from Casper College’s Goodstein Foundation Library
• Collaborative Support Services
  • On campus health services
  • Counseling services
  • On campus employment
  • Tutoring services

Student Expectations

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ) at fafsa.gov. Students may meet with the STAR Coordinator if they are unable to complete the FAFSA.
• Maintain 2.0 cumulative or higher GPA
• Adhere to Casper College’s Student’s Rights and Responsibilities
• Meet with the STAR Coordinator on a regular basis

Steps to Apply for the STAR Program

1. Complete the STAR Application
2. Make an appointment to meet with the STAR Coordinator. The STAR Coordinator will review your STAR application with you and help you navigate the following steps.
   Shelly Ann, STAR Coordinator
   307-268-2468
   shelly.ann@caspercollege.edu
3. Schedule an appointment link: https://schedule.caspercollege.edu/ramonline/BookAppt?AG=355

Resources

Housing: Casper College Housing, Casper Housing Authority

FAFSA link: FAFSA

ETV link: Education and Training Voucher

Food Pantries including on-campus: Food Pantries in Natrona County, Wyoming Food for Thought

Unaccompanied Student Initiative: https://www.usinitiative.org/

First Generation links: I’m First, Center for First-Generation Student Success