The TFFC First Star Pathways Program is a year-round leadership, academic, and life-skills initiative designed to support high school students in foster care ages 14–18 as they prepare for college, careers, and independent adulthood.

Through a unique partnership with the national nonprofit First Star, The Friends of Foster Care (TFFC) delivers a comprehensive program that combines academic support, leadership development, and real-world career exploration. This collaboration allows youth in our region to participate in a model that has helped thousands of foster youth across the country graduate high school and pursue higher education.

The Pathways Program follows a four-year cohort model, meaning scholars can remain in the program from 9th through 12th grade, receiving consistent mentorship, academic guidance, and community support during some of the most critical years of their lives.

Our goal is simple: ensure that youth in foster care have the resources, confidence, and opportunities to succeed after high school.

TFFC is proud to be part of the national First Star network, which provides long-term educational programming for high school youth in foster care.

For more than two decades, First Star has worked with universities and community organizations across the United States to ensure that foster youth have access to higher education pathways, leadership development, and supportive peer communities.

By partnering with First Star, TFFC brings this nationally recognized model to our local community while expanding it with additional tutoring, career coaching, and year-round programming tailored to the needs of youth in our region.

Saturday Academies

During the school year, scholars participate in monthly Saturday Academies designed to build academic confidence, leadership skills, and real-world readiness.

These full-day sessions bring youth together for interactive workshops, guest speakers, academic support, and team-building activities that strengthen both personal and professional skills.

What Scholars Experience

Each Saturday Academy includes programming focused on:

• Academic enrichment and tutoring support

• College preparation and financial aid guidance

• Career exploration with professionals from various industries

• Financial literacy and independent living skills

• Social-emotional development and leadership training

• Community service and youth advocacy projects

In addition to the group academy sessions, scholars receive individualized tutoring and coaching each month to help them stay on track academically and plan for life after high school.

Upcoming Saturday Academy Dates

Our Saturday Academies are full-day experiences where scholars engage with professionals, explore careers, develop life skills, and connect with peers and mentors.

March 21 – Career Exploration Day
Career Site Visits:

• The Port of Virginia

• Mill Swamp Indian Horses

Youth will learn about maritime careers, logistics, and workforce opportunities while also exploring the history and cultural significance of the historic Indian horse herd.

April 25 – College Experience Day
Old Dominion University

Participants will visit campus, learn about college life, meet university professionals, and explore academic and career pathways.

May 30 – Leadership & Professional Development
Dominion Tower

This session focuses on leadership development, career preparation, and networking with professionals in the region.

Each summer, Pathways scholars participate in Dorm Days, a multi-week immersive summer academy designed to give youth a real college-campus experience.

During this program, participants live in university housing and take part in a wide range of activities that prepare them for adulthood and higher education.

Dorm Days Highlights

• Living on a college campus

• College readiness workshops and academic sessions

• Life skills and leadership development

• Career exploration and guest speakers

• Recreational activities and team-building experiences

• College tours and exposure to higher education opportunities

The summer academy helps youth develop confidence, independence, and a vision for their future, while building lasting friendships with peers who share similar experiences.

Virginia Campus Experience

July 19 – July 31
Virginia Wesleyan University

Youth will live on campus while participating in:

• College readiness workshops

• Academic enrichment and tutoring

• Life skills and leadership development

• Career exploration sessions

• Team-building activities and recreation

• Mentorship with program staff and guest speakers

This portion of the program helps youth develop routines and expectations similar to the college environment.

New York City College Experience

July 31 – August 6
Hofstra University

Scholars will travel to New York for an out-of-state college immersion experience that includes:

• Living in university residence halls

• Visiting colleges in the New York City area

• Cultural and career exploration opportunities

• Exposure to new environments and industries

• Building independence through supervised travel experiences

This experience expands students’ understanding of the possibilities available to them after high school.

Watch the video of our 2024 college campus tour trip to Philadelphia.