.png)
KC STARS
Directing Little Steps Toward Big Futures.
KC Stars provides compassionate support, mentorship, and life-enriching services that empower children, youth, and families throughout the Kansas City community.
KC Stars is a program of Adventist Community Services, exists to empower K–8 students and strengthen the entire family through compassionate support, mentorship, and literacy-focused tutoring that helps children build confidence, grow academically, and thrive in their community.
Helping Every Student Shine
More than just homework help—we are a literacy-focused ministry.
The STARS Center (Success Through Academic and Recreational Support) is designed to bridge the academic gap for students in our community. We believe that literacy is the foundation of all future success. Our program provides a structured, joyful environment where students receive the individual attention they need to reach and exceed grade-level reading goals.
The Three Pillars of STARS
-
Focused Literacy Support: We utilize a specific literacy-focused curriculum to help students master phonics, comprehension, and fluency. Our goal is to move "Directing Little Steps toward Big Futures."
-
Nutrition & Connection: Every session begins with a "Nutrition & Connection" block. We provide healthy snacks and a warm environment because we know students learn best when they are nourished and feel a sense of belonging.
-
Meaningful Mentoring: Unlike traditional large-group tutoring, we emphasize a 1:1 or 1:2 mentor-to-student ratio. This allows our volunteers to build a relationship of trust and encouragement with every child.
Our "Better Together" Partnership
At the STARS Center, we believe success happens through a three-way partnership:
-
The Home: Parents commit to encouraging 15 minutes of reading every night.
-
The School: We support the work teachers are doing in the classroom.
-
The STARS Team: Our mentors provide the tools and consistency needed for growth.
Helping Every Student Shine
Building a foundation for success through consistency and safety.
For Families: The STARS Partnership
We don't just enroll students; we partner with families. To ensure your child makes real progress in literacy, we ask for the following commitments:
-
Regular Attendance: Because we have a waiting list and limited spots, we ask that students attend every scheduled session.
-
Prompt Transitions: Please arrive on time for the "Nutrition & Connection" block so your student is settled and ready for their literacy session.
-
The 15-Minute Rule: We ask parents to encourage at least 15 minutes of reading at home every night to reinforce what they learn at the center.
-
Safety First: For your child’s protection, a parent or authorized guardian must physically come to the desk to sign students in and out.
For Volunteers: Become a Mentor
You don’t need to be a professional educator to be a life-changing mentor. We provide the tools; you provide the encouragement.
-
Meaningful Impact: Work 1-on-1 or 1-on-2 with a student to help them master reading and build confidence.
-
Safety Standards: In alignment with national youth safety standards, all mentors must complete a background screening (through Sterling Volunteers) and child protection training.
-
The "Two-Adult" Rule: We maintain a strictly observable environment where no adult is ever alone with a student, ensuring a safe space for everyone.
-
Training Provided: We will walk you through our "Road to Reading" curriculum and our Standard Operating Procedures so you feel fully prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join? Students in Grades, K–8 who need extra support in literacy and reading.
When do you meet? Sunday Evenings depending on season
Is there a cost? Yes, but minimal to help cover materials, less than $40
Are you a school? No. We are a community-based mentoring center that supports and supplements the work being done in local classrooms.
Where & When We Meet
Location
Kansas City Central Seventh Day Adventist Church
14651 SW Peterson Rd
Kansas City, MO 64149
Our program takes place in the designated "STARS Zone" (Fellowship Hall/Classrooms).
Schedule
We are currently accepting applications for the August session
Safety & Security
Your child’s safety is our highest priority.
-
Background Cleared: 100% of our staff and volunteers have passed a background check and completed child protection training.
-
Secure Check-In: All students must be signed in and out by an authorized adult at our welcome desk.
-
Observable Spaces: All mentoring happens in open, observable areas in accordance with our "Two-Adult Rule."
Parent Classes
At KC Stars, we believe empowering a child also means supporting the whole family. That’s why each STARS session includes a parent class designed to equip parents and caregivers with encouragement, practical tools, and meaningful support as they help their children grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually.