Our Transformational Program offers real opportunities in STEAM careers, entrepreneurship, leadership development, family and community engagement activities, and much more. Through their participation, STARZ discover and nourish their skills, interests and talents. Our objective is to strengthen youth’s skills in career preparation, self-efficiency, and understanding.

Sign up for our Transformational Program

The first step is to attend orientation.

SCHEDULE HERE
Picture of Sirius Connally

Sirius Connally

“I AM A STAR,” who didn’t always believe this up until my senior year 2025 as I struggled with who am I. My family taught me to believe at a very early age that I will be great in whatever I want to pursue in my future career. Now my social life has me quickly thinking differently. I wanted to be like my friends, their friends, but, because, of this thinking I made choices that caused so many set-backs, One of my realizations that hit hard was when I worked super hard to cheer finally got in and, due to a really foolish action, I was kicked out of the Montbello Warriors cheer team, along with the ladies I thought were my friends, all for trying to fit in with them. It was devastating, I was bullied, and alone for a while. I began to lose my identity. This situation was finally resolved. I was ready to move on. It took my junior year to get back on track. I kept pushing with grades, sports, creative expression, and community services. All which has helped me achieve so much in that time. My junior year I was able to get back on the Montbello cheer team. I became the Co-captain to Captain my senior year, with that wonderful cheer team. I joined track this same season, really progressing well. Due to my efforts, I graduated from the Community College of Aurora in general studies. Biggest, shout out! Thanks to the “STAR Girlz,” program, I was able to join the HBCU tour, which really set my dreams in motion. I knew I was going to reach out and touch opportunities outside of my home state Colorado. I want to pursue a bachelor’s degree, so I applied and received acceptance from South Carolina State University HBCU. I will be majoring in Science in Physical Education with a concentration in applied Exercise Science, to work in the sports medicine industry. I have learned, I have a strong interest in health fitness. Not just for the nutrition, which I was always more favorable to veggies than meat. To endurance, discipline, commitment, last but not least, the outlet of release you feel when you need to let go of stress. I will bring my degree in sports medicine to help my community by allowing me to treat and prevent injuries, promote healthy lifestyles, and support people in staying active and strong. Thank you, to all who have helped me shape my direction, I will always remember that I am a STAR and it’s time to SHINE!

Image of Ya'nia Brown

Ya'nia Brown

One of the most difficult challenges I faced was navigating school while supporting both of my great grandparents through their illnesses of Parkinson’s and Dementia. At times, it felt like my goals had to be put on hold, and it dimmed my confidence in what I thought I could achieve. However, I refused to let that be the end of my story and knowing that both of my great grandparents would not want that for me. Through my participation in STAR Girlz programs these last two years, I have learned to ask for help when I needed it, prioritize my mental health, and stay focused on long-term goals. I leaned on family, teachers, mentors, and most importantly my faith in my ability to grow through adversity. That experience taught me resilience and gave me a deeper understanding of the importance of perseverance and support systems.

I plan to study Nursing, Labor and Delivery, with the goal of using my education to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I am especially passionate about Mental Health access in children and adolescents. Through my career, I hope to return the support I’ve received by giving back, whether that means working in underserved areas, creating programs that uplift youth, or simply being a voice for those who often go unheard. My vision is to help build stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. No matter the challenges, I will always remember that I am a STAR and it’s time to SHINE!

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