STARS

STARS (Student Transfer and Retention Support) is a federally funded TRIO program committed to the success of students who are first-generation, income eligible and/or have a documented disability.

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TRIO Programs are federal outreach and student services programs.

These programs are designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRiO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to postbaccalaureate programs.

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Our mission is to empower scholars to:

Develop the necessary skills, knowledge and attributes to complete a post-secondary education.

Achieve maximum academic success and career readiness.

Graduate as skilled, self-actualizing professionals and global citizens who lead through best practices and lifelong learning.

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How do I apply for the STARS program?

Complete the STARS application
Return the completed application by:

Stopping by the STARS department in the South Oasis
Giving to an instructor
Mailing the application

What are the requirements to be eligible for the STARS program?

First generation student (You (the student) cannot have a degree and neither parent can have a Bachelor’s degree or higher)
Income eligible (income eligibility based on criteria indicated on the STARS application and/or information reported on the FAFSA)
Documented Disability (Documentation must be on file with Disability Services)

How do I know if I qualify?

Once we receive the completed application, the STARS staff will review it to see if the student meets the eligibility requirements. Selected students will then be contacted via letter and email notifying them of tentative acceptance into the program. At that point, it is the students responsibility to schedule an appointment to complete the acceptance process where more information is provided about the program.

What services does the program offer?

Priority registration
Transfer assistance
One-on-one tutoring
Early alerts and midterm grade checks
Campus visits to 4-year universities
Cultural enrichment events (Fox Theater, St Louis Symphony Orchestra, etc)
Workshops
Career Services

What are the benefits of being in the program?

Meet new people
Have new experiences
Expenses paid on trips
Priority Academic Advising
Transfer Assistance
Tutoring
Career Services

How do I contact the STARS program?

Preferred Email:

STARS Advisor: Amy Cook – cooka@rlc.edu
STARS Advisor: Dean Mandrell – mandrelld@rlc.edu

Visit Us:
South Oasis rooms 110, 111, 112, 113

Mail:
Rend Lake College
TRIO – STARS Program
468 N Ken Gray Pkwy
Ina, IL 62846

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STARS

What is TRiO?

TRIO Programs are federal outreach and student services programs.

TRIO Programs are federal outreach and student services programs.

Our mission is to empower scholars to:

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

First Generation

Financial Need

Disability

Services Provided (Free for STARS Scholars)

Services Provided (Free for STARS Scholars)

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Faculty & Staff

Amy Cook

Dean Mandrell

Dara Whaley

Sherraine "Rainey" Williams

Misty Bradley

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