STARR's programming is built around Leadership & Community Engagement: every young person who joins STARR is on a path of growth, not just a series of activities. As Agents build STEAM skills, take on responsibility, and support their peers, they advance through the STARR Leadership Progression, a rank system that recognizes each stage of that growth.
This page covers STARR's youth leadership rank system. Looking for our Executive Director and Board of Directors? Visit the Leadership page.
Eight ranks, one path: from a young person's first day as a STARR Agent to the program's highest honor.
Every young person begins here. STARR Agents take their first steps into hands-on STEAM exploration, building the confidence and curiosity that carry them through the rest of the program.
Cadets build on that foundation, deepening their STEAM skills and beginning to take ownership of their own projects and progress.
Lieutenants step into their first leadership moments, supporting newer Agents and modeling the focus and teamwork STARR programming is built on.
Captains lead small teams through projects and activities, developing the communication and problem-solving skills of a true team leader.
Majors represent STARR at community events, carrying the program's values out into the neighborhoods and families STARR serves.
Colonels take on a mentorship role, guiding newer Agents and Cadets and helping set the tone for the whole STARR community.
Generals are peer leaders across the full program, modeling STARR's values of curiosity, discipline, and community at every level.
Special Agent is STARR's highest honor, reserved for youth who have grown through every stage of the progression and now help lead the next generation of STARR Agents.
No two Agents move through the Leadership Progression at the same pace, and that is by design. What matters is that every young person who walks through STARR's doors is given the chance to grow, to lead, and to see how far their own potential can take them.
The STARR Future Investment Initiative channels donor and partner support directly into the Leadership Progression, funding the mentorship, materials, and community events that help every Agent advance, from their first day in the program to Special Agent and beyond.
Every dollar invested through this initiative helps STARR reach more youth, in more neighborhoods, with the no-cost STEAM programming and leadership development that raise household incomes and build generational wealth.
★ INVEST IN THE FUTURE