The Minnesota chapter of STARS holds three statewide events each year. Many of our MAAP regions and individual programs hold other STARS activities throughout the year.
STARS Fall Leadership Conference
Held each November, member schools have the opportunity to send students and staff to this conference where they learn more about the STARS program and participate in leadership and teamwork building events. Workshops are held on topics such as how to run a STARS chapter, how to prepare for STARS events, and creativity.
A new slate of student officers is elected each year at the conference. Officers serve as MAAP representatives within their schools and assist in planning and implementing MAAP activities for the year. Each school may choose to run one candidate for this leadership team. There is a limit as to how many students a chapter may bring from their member school (4 to 6).
Legislative Day
During a specific day in February, each member school sends a group of student leaders to the State Capitol to meet with their legislators. A general session is held to provide information on the MAAP platform, educational issues, and on how to approach and talk to legislators. Key legislative leaders also address the group and STARS officers obtain a proclamation from the Governor declaring that week as “Alternative Education Week in Minnesota.”
Spring Events Conference
This two-day conference gives students the opportunity to showcase their skills in the Minnesota Standards, along with their artistic, career and life skills. Students participate as individuals and/or in teams in competitive events and are evaluated by business leaders. The students also participate in demonstration events, artistic performance and artistic display.
This is the most popular activity each year, with over 400 students from around the state attending the event. Students have an opportunity to receive recognition for their work and improve their self-esteem during the award session.