STARS
STARS (Student Transfer and Retention Support) is a federally funded TRIO program committed to the success of first-generation, low-income and/or scholars with disabilities.
What is TRiO?
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.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.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.
Achieve maximum academic success and career readiness.
Graduate as skilled, self-actualizing professionals and global citizens who lead through best practices and lifelong learning.
Apply Today!
Please see the attached file to download the STARS Application, along with some frequently asked questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for the STARS program?
Complete the STARS application
Return the completed application by:
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
What are the benefits of being in the program?
- Meet new people
- Have new experiences
- Expenses paid on trips
How do I contact the STARS program?
Preferred Email:
STARS Advisor: Amy Cook – cooka@rlc.edu
STARS Advisor: Dara Whaley – whaleyd@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
Eligibility
Must meet at least 1 of the 3 requirements
First Generation
Neither parent/guardian has a four-year college degree
Financial Need
Receive the federal Pell Grant
Disability
Utilize the Rend Lake College Disability Services
Services Provided (Free for STARS Scholars)
- One-on-One Tutoring
- Career Guidance
- Individualized Academic Advising
- Cultural Enrichment Activities
- Priority Class Registration
- Access to STARS computer Lab
- Personal and Academic Support
- FAFSA Assistance and Financial Literacy Training
Services Provided (Free for STARS Scholars)
- One-on-One Tutoring
- Career Guidance
- Individualized Academic Advising
- Cultural Enrichment Activities
- Priority Class Registration
- Access to STARS computer Lab
- Personal and Academic Support
- FAFSA Assistance and Financial Literacy Training
