Star Kids Scholarship Program

Our Mission: The mission of the Star Kids Scholarship Program is to provide access to educational opportunities for high-risk, low-income children who have a parent with a history of incarceration and/or substance abuse. Typically, children enroll in the program between kindergarten and grade 4. Star Kids’ goal for each child is to graduate from high school. By completing high school and hopefully going on to higher education, these children will have a greater chance of breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty, drug use, and incarceration. Our History: Star Kids is marking our 25th year – a milestone that reflects not only the resilience of our students but the long-time commitment of our community partners and donors. Star Kids was founded in 2000 by Timothy Flanigan, M.D., an infectious diseases specialist who was working at the Rhode Island State Prison caring for substance-abusing women. He witnessed their primary concern for their children and the seemingly insurmountable struggles families encountered as a result of addiction and incarceration. Dr. Flanigan realized that the way to break the cycle of substance abuse and incarceration in families was rooted in supplying quality education and support for their children. The Program began by serving six children in Newport County, RI, and Southeastern MA. In the 2025-26 academic year, the Newport/Fall River Star Kids Scholarship Program has grown to serve 153 children in grades K-12. As of June 2025, 118 students have achieved earned their diplomas and gone on to pursue post-secondary education, career pathways and the military. Since inception, our high school graduation rate is 95%, and a remarkable 92% of our graduates pursue secondary education.

The Star Kids Scholarship Program provides access to educational opportunities for high-risk, low-income children/youth who have a parent with a history of incarceration and/or substance abuse. Star Kids funds tuition scholarships that open doors to a wide range of school options as well as comprehensive wrap-around supports including tutoring, books, after-school program, summer camps, college/pathway planning, transportation and mentoring that support a child in and out of the classroom.