Star Lab

WEDNESDAY WOW: Bayfront Park! Could we have had more fun? No, it was perfect. 😎 Summertime gives us so many opportunities to explore our city, which fits perfectly with Star Lab's mission to connect learning to the world outside the classroom.

All year long, we take field trips to local businesses (BayFirst bank, Sarasota Memorial Hospital), cultural sites (Historic Leonard Reid House, Sarasota Art Museum, Florida Studio Theater), and outdoor explorations (Treeumph, Selby Gardens).

The good news for families? Everything is included! After you apply for your state scholarship, there are ZERO out-of-pocket costs!
Reach out today - https://www.starlab.world/get-started.html

SUPERSTAR SUNDAY: Michelle Stears (pictured on the right, with summer campers in the Youth Thrive program) and the Sarasota Housing Authority!

It is impossible to overstate the amazing support Star Lab has received from our foundational partner, SHA. First and foremost, CEO, William Russell, and Director of Resident Services, Michelle Stears, realized the potential for a high-quality education right on the campus of public housing complexes in giving true equality of opportunity to children regardless of starting point. They facilitated the partnerships that allowed us to open classrooms first at Janie's Garden and now also at the Boys & Girls Club.

Furthermore, the mutual connections Michelle and her team have with residents allow us to serve the families who most benefit from Star Lab's program. Their help with enrollment has been a game-changer, helping families feel comfortable sending their children to a brand-new program.

Star Lab is inspired by SHA's legacy of service and support, and we strive to mirror their approach of family support.

In SHA's own words: Sarasota Housing Authority (SHA) is committed to providing quality affordable housing, while also striving to enhance the lives of our residents and promote their independence. SHA provides housing assistance to over 2,400 low-income families and is committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing in Sarasota. SHA has completed nine redevelopment projects to date. In addition to providing high-quality and affordable housing, SHA's Resident Services team supports and enhances the lives of SHA and Newtown residents by providing adult educational programs and support services, including youth programming. SHA's Youth Thrive After-School and Summer Enrichment programs serve SHA and Newtown youth, always at zero cost to participating youth and families.

Check them out! https://sarasotahousing501c3.org/youth-thrive-sarasota/