Kurt Manio, director of CSUSB’s First Star Academy and associate director of Cal-SOAP, was recognized with the First Star Brilliance Award for his exceptional leadership, commitment and impact at the First Star 25th Anniversary Celebration — an inspiring evening of storytelling, recognition and reflection on a legacy of service to youth in foster care.

Manio has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to advancing educational equity for youth in foster care, going above and beyond to create opportunities that inspire academic success, personal growth and long-term achievement.

The milestone event brought together donors, partners, alumni and friends to honor First Star’s enduring mission of transforming lives through education, empowerment and support.

Since its founding in 1999 by media executive Peter Samuelson and attorney Sherry Quirk, First Star has been a national leader in improving the lives of child victims of abuse and neglect. The organization’s mission is to provide youth and young adults who have experienced foster care with the tools, support and opportunities to successfully transition to self-sufficiency through higher education or other viable pathways.

In 2011, the organization launched its inaugural First Star Academy at UCLA, pioneering a comprehensive college-preparatory model that combines immersive residential summer programs on university campuses with year-round academic, social and life-skills support. Each academy is built upon a holistic approach that addresses the academic and personal needs of students in foster care while fostering stability, confidence and connection.

Under the leadership of Manio, CSUSB’s First Star Academy exemplifies this model by providing a free, four-year college access program for high school youth in foster care. The program includes a four-week residential summer academy where participants take college courses, engage in enrichment activities, and experience campus life firsthand. Throughout the academic year, students and their families receive ongoing support through monthly Saturday Academies, individualized education advocacy, and caregiver workshops, all designed to help scholars thrive academically and personally.

Manio has been a dedicated administrator at CSUSB for seven years. Upon receiving the award at the event, held on Oct. 21, Manio shared, “This is a truly humbling experience. I’m deeply grateful for the incredible people I work alongside and for everyone who contributes to and is recognized by this meaningful program.”

As First Star looks toward the future, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to expand opportunities for youth in foster care and to strengthen its nationwide network of partners. The celebration of 25 years of impact and the recognition of leaders like Manio underscore First Star’s continued commitment to changing lives and building brighter futures.

About First Star 
Founded in 1999, First Star is a national 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to improving the lives of child victims of abuse and neglect. Through its innovative First Star Academies, the organization empowers high school youth in foster care to graduate, pursue higher education and successfully transition to adulthood. For more information, visit the First Star website.