Lake Oconee Academy is expanding college access opportunities for its students through a new partnership with the Small Towns and Rural Students (STARS) College Network, becoming the first official partner high school in Georgia to join the STARS College Advisor Program.
The partnership provides LOA students and families with free, personalized college advising, helping students navigate the college search and admissions process, prepare applications, and explore financial aid opportunities.
The STARS College Network is a collaboration of 32 leading colleges and universities dedicated to expanding access to higher education for students in rural and small-town communities. Its member institutions include the United State Naval Academy, Georgia Tech, Duke University, Vanderbilt University, Stanford University, Yale University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), among others.
Through the STARS College Advisor Program, LOA students can receive individualized guidance throughout their college journey. Services include identifying colleges that align with students' academic interests and goals, developing application strategies, preparing essays and other application materials, and navigating scholarships and financial aid, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Importantly, the program supports students applying to any college or university, not solely institutions within the STARS College Network.
LOA High School Coordinator Caroline St. John, who played an integral role in establishing the partnership and bringing this unique opportunity to Lake Oconee Academy, shared her excitement about what it will mean for students.
"We are thrilled at the possibilities that the STARS partnership will offer to our students and our school," she said. “Providing students with access to personalized college guidance and resources opens doors and helps them see the many opportunities available beyond graduation. Having someone to walk alongside them as they explore colleges, navigate applications, and consider their next steps can make meaningful difference. We are excited to bring this level of support to our students and their families.”
While seniors and their families will benefit from one-on-one advising, the partnership also extends opportunities to students in grades eight through twelve through college access programming, as well as professional development and resources for educators.
The initiative addresses challenges that students in rural communities may encounter when exploring higher education, particularly access to information, individualized guidance, and opportunities to connect with colleges beyond their immediate geographic area.
“Our goal is to ensure every student at Lake Oconee Academy has the guidance, resources, and confidence to pursue the opportunities available to them after graduation,” said Jerante Smith, LOA High School Principal. “This partnership gives our students access to personalized support and connections that can make a meaningful difference in their college journey. Being the first high school in Georgia to offer this program is something we're especially proud of.”
Students will also have access to additional college exploration opportunities through STARS, including virtual admissions webinars, visits to participating college campuses, and academic preparation programs.
Participation in the College Advisor Program is optional and completely free. Once registered and approved by a parent or guardian, students can schedule individual virtual advising sessions through Zoom as often as needed throughout their college application journey. In-person advisement sessions will also be available at least twice a school year.
To introduce the program, LOA will host a virtual information session with its dedicated STARS College Advisor on Tuesday, November 17, at 6 p.m. Students and families are encouraged to attend to learn more about available resources and ask questions.
Families interested in participating can register through the STARS College Advising Portal. For more information about the STARS College Network, visit https://starscollegenetwork.org