The STARS are aligning for local high school students eager to get a head start on their post-secondary studies.

The Strategic Transition for Accomplished and Recognized Students (STARS) program was recently relaunched and will allow Niagara secondary school students to register concurrently for one credit at Brock University, free of charge.

Formerly known as Head Start, STARS is available to students enrolled in a less than six Grade 12 U or M courses. They must also have had a minimum 90 per cent average in the previous high school year in an advanced-level program and be recommended by their school or main educator.

Scarlet Stark, Brock’s Academic Transitions Specialist, said the program will allow students to sample post-secondary learning and to potentially choose to come to Brock for the entirety of their degree.

“We hope STARS students will take advantage of the early exposure to the expectations of post-secondary learning so they can be successful in their future undergraduate studies,” she said. “Once they are welcomed to our campus and classrooms, we hope that Brock will be on their list of top choices for further learning.”

Once students are admitted, they will have the opportunity to participate in a tailored orientation experience that will welcome them to campus.

Though the task of completing post-secondary studies while still in high school will require time management and commitment from participants, Stark said local students have proven time and again that they are ready for the challenge.

“We know that Niagara has many exceptional high school students, and STARS presents these students with a great opportunity to experience the excellent academic learning environment here at Brock, while also getting a head start on their post-secondary journey,” she said.

Anyone interested in applying for the STARS program should review the eligibility requirements available on the admissions website and complete a declaration form by Friday, July 1.

Further questions about the program can be emailed to futurestudent@brocku.ca