The University of Alabama and Auburn University have both recently joined the Small Town and Rural Students College Network (STARS), which is aimed at facilitating the recruitment and preparation of prospective students in smaller, rural areas.
The program helps students ready themselves academically for college life and opens access to on-campus visits to those from rural areas and small towns. It also makes possible expanded visits by college admissions staff to rural areas, and it provides scholarship funds for financial aid and supports ambassador and mentor roles as well as internship opportunities through partnerships with local and national businesses.
Nearly half of Alabama’s public schools have been classified as rural making STARS even more vital for the state. Additionally, per the National Center for Education Statistics, close to 70% of Alabama high schools serve rural or small-town communities.
“A great benefit of being a part of STARS program is the ability for each university to create a plan unique to their institution. This allows UA to craft strategies we know will be successful in assisting rural students within our state,” said Dr. Matt McLendon, Associate Vice President and Executive Director for Enrollment Management at Alabama. “This program will improve the lives of so many Alabama residents.”
Joffery Gaymon is Auburn University’s Vice President of Enrollment.
“Auburn University remains dedicated to extending its reach to all corners of Alabama, especially underserved and rural communities,” said Gaymon. “The STARS Network is a great partnership that will further equip us to reach smaller communities that lack needed resources and to best connect students to life-changing opportunities.”
Blaise Koda, an aerospace engineering major from Montgomery who was accepted to Auburn this past fall, emphasized how impactful the program can be.
“I believe that any and all help is essential for up-and-coming college students,” Koda said. “But I believe it to be especially important for those that may not have the same opportunities as other students, such as those from rural areas.”
“Programs like these can help put rural students on large universities’ radars and can even give more opportunities to the rural students themselves, and I believe that to be the most important aspect as to why programs like the STARS Network are essential.”
The network was first announced a year ago and now has a membership featuring 32 of the nation’s most prominent universities and colleges as well as more than a quarter-million students across the country.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
