“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela
Our Mission
STARS, an acronym for Scholarship, Tutoring, Assistance, Resources, and Support, is a youth-led national education organization based in New Jersey. We provide free tutoring services, ESL assistance, and college preparation for students in underserved communities. Our mission is to combat disparities in educational access and empower students to reach their full potential.
Services Offered
Tutoring
Free and discounted tutoring for students who come from low-income backgrounds.
ESL & Citizenship Help
We offer ESL support for Spanish-speaking individuals, assisting with document completion and enhancing their English language proficiency.
Academic and Career Assistance
Offers guidance through the college application process and post-high school decisions, including resume building, essay support, and recommendations for scholarships and programs.
Jessica Navarro Davalos
Founder of STARS
WELCOME!
My name is Jessica and I am the founder of STARS.
As a first-generation Peruvian-American who grew up in an underserved community and attended poor educational systems, I have experienced what it feels like to feel alone when it comes to assistance in school or help outside the classroom. Recognizing the expense of tutoring and it’s lack of accessibility to those in my area, I was inspired to start offering tutoring to those that did not have access to it. I started this initiative in the 7th grade and in 2024 developed it into a youth-led national education organization.
STARS has a dedicated team of volunteers who tailor their assistance to meet each participant’s needs and availability. Across the country, our team includes over 40 members located in more than 15 states, collectively speaking seven different languages.