PROGRAMS

SIGNATURE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

LEADER TO LEADER SUMMIT
Student leaders in the I’m A Star Foundation host an annual summit to address four
critical issues facing American teens. National, state, and local leaders join them to
develop actionable solutions, which the students then implement through programs
throughout the year.

JACKSONVILLE HELPS
Since 2013, students in the I’m A Star Foundation have supported homeless students
and their families in Duval County. Each July, they host a Celebrity Basketball game to
raise funds from businesses and individuals, donating nearly $200,000 to Duval County
Public Schools for essentials like uniforms, supplies, and scholarships.

LET’S MOVE JACKSONVILLE
Since 2009, I’m A Star’s student leaders have worked hard to combat childhood obesity
and related preventable health issues through diet and exercise. Let’s Move
Jacksonville is a city-wide fun fitness festival event that encourages the community to
adopt healthier lifestyles while raising awareness of Jacksonville's low ranking on the
Health Fitness Index.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT AND COUNSELING SERVICES
The I’m a Star Foundation provides wrap-around services for students who are overage
for grade (retained 2 or more years) and for students who are first-generation college
students. These services include peer counseling sessions, emotional support (youth
mental health toolkits and other emotional support services), assistance and
empowerment for families whose children have been retained 2 or more times during
their K-12 matriculation and counseling referrals.

YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH SUMMITS
The COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected youth mental health, leading to increased
stress, anxiety, and depression from isolation. Student leaders in the I’m A Star
Foundation have been proactive in addressing these issues by partnering with the
Florida Times Union for community discussions, donating 1,000 Mental Health Kits to
Duval County Public Schools, and creating podcasts and the EmpowerME app to
support students.