The STARS College Network Comes to NVUSD - Connecting Students to College

This week, STARS College Network and NVUSD partnered once again as they visited school campuses, providing over 2,150 students, as well as staff and families, with information, resources, and support for college access. High school administrators and counselors gathered for an in-depth session, led by the Executive Director of the STARS College Network and admissions directors from Vanderbilt University, the University of Chicago, and Case Western Reserve University. These prestigious institutions, part of the 32-member STARS network, share a common goal: to expand college access for students in rural and small-town communities. 

For NVUSD counselors, this marked a significant moment. They now had direct lines of communication to admissions representatives at 32 partner colleges and universities, opening doors to personalized support and opportunities for NVUSD students. The prospect of students participating in fly-in programs to college campuses across the Midwest and the East Coast added to the excitement.

Student and family engagement took center stage throughout the week. On Monday evening, Napa High School welcomed 125 eager 8th–11th graders and their families to a workshop focused on college access and the STARS Network. Students began to see a clearer path to their future aspirations. Tuesday evening brought a unique opportunity: a live virtual college fair featuring all 32 STARS partner schools. Families were able to explore the diverse range of postsecondary options available, all from the comfort of their own homes.

Wednesday evening was a pivotal moment for NVUSD juniors. The top 20 percent of the class, along with their families, were invited to officially embark on their college application journey. Supported by two STARS College Counselors based at the University of Chicago, 146 students and families received guidance on navigating the application process and learned about the long-term support system available through the STARS Network.

The week also celebrated early successes. Twenty NVUSD students had already gained acceptance into competitive summer fly-in college programs at the University of Chicago and Vanderbilt University. A special meet-and-greet was organized to allow these students to connect, share their excitement, and begin preparing for their upcoming college experiences.

Beyond the workshops and fairs, the STARS team made a point to connect with students across the district. They visited K–8 and middle schools, engaging with 8th graders and sharing crucial insights about preparing for the challenges and opportunities of high school and college. At the high school campuses, lunchtime sessions provided students with information about STARS resources, opportunities to sign up for support, and valuable connections with counselors for ongoing guidance and planning.

NVUSD’s partnership with the STARS network directly supports a key element of NVUSD’s Strategic Plan, Strategy 2: to sustain, align, and expand partnerships with local community colleges, 4-year universities, and local industry, providing all students with authentic, real-world learning experiences. The visit of the STARS College Network was a powerful step towards empowering NVUSD students and fostering a future where college is within reach for all.

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About the STARS College Network: The STARS College Network partners with top colleges to ensure that students from rural and small-town America have the information and support they need to enroll and graduate from the college or university of their choice. 

About Napa Valley Unified School District: Napa Valley Unified School District (NVUSD) proudly serves 16,250 students in Transitional Kindergarten through 12th grade across 26 schools in the communities of American Canyon and Napa. NVUSD remains committed to its vision of developing graduates who are confident, compassionate, adaptable adults who are well-prepared for life and become inspiring advocates for themselves and their community.

About the STARS/NVUSD Partnership: In February 2025, the Napa Valley Unified School District (NVUSD) and the STARS College Network announced a formal partnership to implement a four-year pilot program through the STARS College Advisory Program. The program hopes to expand the number of qualified and interested NVUSD students applying to and enrolling in prestigious four-year institutions, closing a historical opportunity gap for many. This is the first formal collaboration between the STARS College Network and a school district.