Celebrating 25 Years of Brighter Beginnings
For 25 years, Star Kids has opened doors for at-risk, low-income children whose parents have faced incarceration or substance abuse—helping hundreds of students build brighter beginnings filled with hope and possibility. Join us as we celebrate this milestone and look ahead to the next generation of Star Kids.
From Six Star Kids To Hundreds of Brighter Beginnings
In 2000, Dr. Timothy Flanigan, Professor of Medicine at Brown University, launched the Star Kids Scholarship Program with one powerful goal: to change the trajectory for at-risk, low-income children growing up in high-risk families through the life-changing power of education.
What began with six students has grown into a thriving community that now supports hundreds of students across grades K–12 in Newport County, RI, and Fall River, MA. Over the past 25 years, 118 graduates have gone on to college and careers, building lives filled with stability, purpose, and promise.
“Our students and families do the hard work. The schools and sponsors help make it possible. Star Kids simply brings them together—we’re the matchmakers who get to witness these incredible stories of growth and success.”
~ Dr. Tim Flanigan, Founder
A Legacy of Impact
Each Star Kid represents courage, resilience, and the belief that education changes everything, Through tuition scholarships and “wrap-around” supports, students receive what they need to thrive—in school and in life.
BY THE NUMBERS
• 95% of Star Kids graduate from high school (vs. 77% of low-income students in Rhode Island)
• 92% pursue post-secondary education (vs. 52% in Rhode Island)
• 118 graduates since 2000
• 10 years – average number of years a student is in our program
• 0 incarcerations among graduates
These outcomes illustrate what happens when opportunity meets support, and when a community comes together to believe in every child’s potential.
25 Years of Smiles, Milestones, and Brighter Beginnings
Student Voices: Every Star Kid Has a Story
Each story reflects the same truth: when children are surrounded by encouragement, support, and opportunity, they shine.
“It is an honor to have Star Kids by my side. You have been a huge help on my path to becoming the man I want to be. The sky’s the limit, and I know I am going to get there if I try hard enough, thanks to you.”
– D., Grade 10
“As a graduate of Star Kids, I cannot say enough for how this organization has shaped my life and career. Every donation helps children gain opportunities they otherwise would not have, and I am ever grateful.”
– H., Class of 2018, Current Test Engineer at Google
“For 25 years, Star Kids has given children hope and opportunity by opening doors that once seemed closed. This milestone is not just about celebrating the past—it’s about inspiring the future. Together with our donors, sponsors, schools, and community, we’ve built brighter beginnings for hundreds of students—and we’re committed to building many more.“
~ Karen Flanagan, Executive Director of Newport/Fall River Star Kids
Looking Ahead: The Next 25 Years
Our Strategic Plan: Smart Growth for Sustainable Success (FY25–FY27) guides the future of Star Kids as we:
• Expand access to serve more students in need
• Strengthen academic, social-emotional, and family supports
• Build long-term financial sustainability to ensure every child’s continued success
Together, we will carry the light of these 25 years forward—creating even more pathways to brighter beginnings.
Your support fuels every success story.
Here’s how you can help.
Donate Now – Help the next generation of Star Kids shine even brighter.
Become a Sponsor – Open doors to education, stability, and hope.
Become a Mentor – Be part of a student’s journey.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter Below – Stay connected to our mission and milestones.
