Taylor STARs

Taylor STARs four-year experience

Through our comprehensive four-year transitional program, we empower students with transformative learning experiences designed to enrich their academic journey and foster a resilient growth mindset. We aim to provide students with:

Framework

Built upon the foundational principles of Jack Mezirow’s transformative learning theory, our framework addresses challenges such as deficit mindset and imposter syndrome, head-on. We achieve this by:

The program develops students as leaders within and beyond, offering many valuable resources to students, including, but not limited to… 

A robust mentorship program, with transitional components year-to-year: 

Many of these activities are informal and allow students to participate at their convenience. Students should expect to invest 2-3 hours per month in the program, helping to ensure a positive impact and responsiveness to their needs.  

Joining Taylor STARs  

Taylor STARs is an opt-out program. Students who receive a welcome notification from WashU Admissions will automatically participate in the program unless they opt out. If you are in your sophomore, junior, or senior year and would like to take part in the Taylor STARs Program, please email TFCSS to begin the enrollment process.  

First-year Taylor STARs

The Taylor Family Center partners with the Student Transitions & Family Programs (STFP) during Bear Beginnings. A detailed schedule is provided by the STFP, including move-in day, organized by Residential Life.  

Summer outreach 

Students and their families receive communication via their WashU email address and in the mail during the summer, including:

Mentorship

A key component of the First-year Taylor STARs experience is participating in the Taylor STARs Peer Mentorship program rooted in evidence-based best practices. incoming Taylor STARs are matched with upper-class Taylor STARs students who share a similar background and identify as either first-generation or from a limited-income household to:

Taylor STARs Peer Mentors

Taylor STARs Peer Mentors are highly competent and trained in campus resources to help first-year Taylor STARs navigate the Washington University landscape and build community within the Taylor STARs program. Active engagement in our Peer Mentorship program has impacted our students’:

First-year participant expectations

During the academic year, First-years are expected to participate in a number of events, including: 

Sophomore Soar Taylor STARs 

The Sophomore Soar program will unite students as a cohort for 1.5 hours twice a month,  to provide students with the opportunity to: 

Seminar series 

The seminar will be led by staff and faculty who have a deep understanding of the important benchmarks of academic success during sophomore year. 

The Sophomore Soar program will unite students as a cohort for 1.5 hours twice a month. This seminar will be led by staff and faculty who have a deep understanding of the crucial benchmarks of academic success during sophomore year.

Academic excellence

In pursuing academic excellence, students will hone essential study skills, master time management techniques, and explore strategies for selecting a major through dedicated guidance and support offered by Sophomore Soar’s comprehensive seminars.

Financial literacy

Gaining financial literacy and acquiring essential financial skills is paramount for first-generation college students, empowering them to navigate the complexities of higher education expenses, make informed financial decisions, and build a solid foundation for long-term financial stability and success.

Global citizenship

For first-generation college students, the significance of studying abroad extends beyond academics, providing invaluable cultural immersion, global perspective, and personal growth opportunities that enrich their educational journey and broaden their horizons.

Professional development

Through industry visits, workshops facilitated by the CCE, and networking opportunities, the program aims to equip sophomores with the essential skills and connections necessary to build their professional networks as they consider opportunities after graduation (employment, grad school).

Leadership development plan

Actively engaging them in developing a personalized leadership plan, fostering their skills, and empowering them for future success.

Mentorship

Recognizing the pivotal role of mentoring in fostering academic and professional development, The Sophomore Soar program is committed to enhancing students’ experiences by pairing them with a dedicated faculty or staff member, ensuring personalized guidance and support throughout their journey. 

Professional development

The Sophomore Soar program is designed to empower students by providing a comprehensive approach to their academic and professional growth. Through industry visits, workshops facilitated by the Center for Career Engagement and networking opportunities, the program aims to equip sophomores with the essential skills and connections necessary to build their professional networks as they consider opportunities after graduation (employment, grad school). 

Leadership plan development

The Sophomore Soar program is dedicated to nurturing students’ leadership potential by actively engaging them in the development of a personalized leadership plan, fostering their skills and empowering them for future success. 

Sophomore participant expectations

Junior and senior Taylor STARs programming 

Students will hone their life and professional skills to be holistically prepared for their successful post-graduation transition to their next career or academic steps.  

Beyond College Workshops

There will be approximately two workshops or events a month during the academic year to build skills, develop community, and provide exposure to new experiences. Beyond College opportunities include: 

Taylor Professional Success Mentorship

The Taylor Professional Success (TPS) Mentorship Program fosters meaningful relationships between a student and industry leader that guide and empower students to confidently navigate the transition from an undergraduate student to the career path of their choosing. The program focuses on their development in the following areas: social capital, industry knowledge, recognition of varied career pathways, and professional competencies. Mentees will receive individualized guidance and career support. Students interested in participating will receive an invitation to apply to be matched with a mentor via email.  

Community connections with alumni

Active Junior and Senior Taylor STARs will have the opportunity to build their social capital with young professionals who are Taylor STARs alumni through Young Taylor STARs Professional events and our alumni group comprised of Taylor STARs alumni interested in connecting with current students. 

Junior and senior participant expectations