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Center for Student Inclusion and Belonging

First-Generation and Low-Income Initiatives

Group of STARS students holding STARS banner at an event.

Welcome to Loyola’s First-Generation and Low-Income Initiatives (or as many students know us, STARS), where we believe your story is powerful, your journey matters, and you deserve a space that sees and supports you fully! 

Housed within the Center for Student Inclusion and Belonging (CSIB) and the larger Undocumented Proud Low Income First-Generation Together (UPLIFT) Initiatives, the First-Generation and Low-Income Initiatives cultivate belonging, resilience, and leadership for students who are navigating college at the intersections of being a first-generation college student and/or low-income community. Rooted in care, advocacy, and justice, our work affirms the strengths students bring with them into higher education, creating opportunities to grow, lead, and thrive without needing to leave any part of yourself behind. 

We offer intentional programming, student support, campus advocacy, mentorship, and community building designed with students lived experiences in mind. Whether you are looking for support, connection, or a deeper sense of purpose in your college journey, we are here for you. 

If you have any questions about our programming, support resources, the STARS Mentorship Program, or broader First-Generation and Low-Income efforts at Loyola, please contact Jamie Capetillo, Assistant Director of Leadership and Social Justice, at jcapetillo@luc.edu. 

History

STARS (Students Together Are Reaching Success) has been a cornerstone of community, connection, and student success at Loyola University Chicago since 1986. While many students first connect with STARS through our peer mentorship program, STARS is much more than mentorship. It is a vibrant community rooted in the principles of Community, Empowerment, and Thriving that brings together first-generation, low-income, and/or migrant and allied students in spaces designed for belonging, support, celebration, and growth. 

Through mentorship, leadership opportunities, workshops, retreats, cultural celebrations, social events, and resource sharing, STARS creates opportunities for students to build meaningful relationships and navigate Loyola alongside others who understand the unique experiences of being first-generation, low-income, and/or from migrant communities. Whether you are a first-year student meeting with a mentor, a student attending a community gathering/workshop, or an alum returning to reconnect, there is a place for you here. 

While the mentorship program plays an important role in helping students transition to college, the STARS community extends far beyond the first year. STARS is a space to find support during challenges, celebrate achievements, build lifelong friendships, access resources, develop as a leader, and experience the joy that comes from being in community with others. No matter where you are in your Loyola journey, STARS is a family you can always return to. 

Mission 

STARS exists to cultivate community, empowerment, and thriving among first-generation, low-income, and/or migrant students at Loyola University Chicago. Through leadership development, community building, advocacy, mentorship, and identity-affirming support, STARS fosters belonging, celebrates students' strengths, and creates opportunities for connection, growth, and collective success.

STARS Commitment

  • STARS is a community rooted in the belief that every student deserves to feel seen, supported, and empowered throughout their Loyola journey. While centering the experiences of first-generation, low-income, and/or migrant students, STARS welcomes all students who are committed to building community, supporting one another, and contributing to a culture of belonging. Our work is grounded in three guiding principles: Community, Empowerment, and Thriving. 
    • STARS will build COMMUNITY by creating spaces where students feel seen, supported, and connected. We do this by fostering real connections and a culture of care through mentorship and intentional programming, cultivating relationships rooted in trust, accountability, and shared growth that help students navigate college life with confidence and collective strength. 
    • STARS will foster EMPOWERMENT by uplifting students through identity-affirming programming, holistic support, and meaningful experiences. We encourage students to honor their stories, celebrate their strengths, and embrace their lived experiences as powerful sources of wisdom, resilience, and self-determination. 
    • STARS will embody THRIVING by creating opportunities for students to grow academically, professionally, and socially while nurturing confidence, connection, and continued success throughout their time at Loyola University Chicago and beyond. 

Events

All of our events are open to all Loyola students! Follow us on Instagram, join our group on LUCommunity, and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with our upcoming events. 

Community Engagements

Community Engagements are programming events that we host throughout the year. Programming is created by our 12 STARS undergraduate student leaders and centered around the support of first generation, low income, and/or migrant student experiences. Our events have ranged from arranging an off-campus Mental Health Fair, Processing the different things we’re carrying as a community navigating college and the world right now, Radical Self-Care, Community Wellness, Imposter Syndrome, Financial Aid & Literacy Workshops, and more. These events are open to the wider Loyola Community to engage in discussion and community. 

STARS Retreat

STARS Retreat is a weekend long event that provides a brave space filled with meaningful dialogue, critical self-reflection, joy laughter and community building, exploration of identity, educational workshops, and sessions centered on the lived experiences of first generation, low income, and/or migrant student experiences. This year, we will pilot a CSIB-wide retreat that offers sessions connected to STARS. 

Daytime Community Engagements

Daytime Community Engagements are designed to create additional opportunities for students to build connection, access resources, and engage with the STARS community throughout the week. Hosted by STARS Leaders during their office hours (Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.), these programs help bridge the gap for commuter students and others who may not be able to participate in evening events.  

These informal and welcoming gatherings provide students with opportunities to connect with peers, meet campus partners, explore resources, and build community in a low-pressure environment. Programs may include resource spotlights such as Financial Aid Fridays, wellness-focused collaborations with the Wellness Center, study and yap sessions with peer mentors, community mixers, What's the Tea Tuesdays conversations, and stress-relief activities like coloring, games, slime making, and creative projects in the CSIB Resource Room. 

Whether you're stopping by between classes, looking to meet new people, seeking support, or simply wanting a place to recharge, Daytime Community Engagements offer opportunities to connect, learn, and belong throughout your Loyola journey. 

STARS End of Year Banquet

STARS End of Year Banquet is the final event of the year for our community. The banquet is a formal end of the year celebration that recognizes all our community members including graduating students, outgoing and incoming STARS student leaders, STARS mentees and their mentors, and all those who engage in the STARS space. 

Mentorship

STARS Mentorship Program (SMP) is our mentorship program that currently supports first year and transfer students at Loyola University Chicago. STARS focuses on building community, fostering belonging, and affirming identity while navigating college life at Loyola University Chicago.  

Through one-on-one mentorship, group connections, and identity-affirming mentorship and programming, STARS creates a network of support for students as they grow academically, socially, and personally. The program centers care, connection, and collective thriving, helping students build confidence and community that lasts beyond the first year. 

As a STARS Mentee, you will have the opportunity to: 

  • Be matched with a peer mentor for your entire first year at Loyola. All STARS mentors are returning students who bring lived experience, campus knowledge, and a deep commitment to supporting others through mentorship. 
  • Meet with your mentor biweekly to explore resources, talk through challenges, and build connection and community. 
  • Become part of a STARS Family. Each mentor is paired with a small group of mentees, creating a family pod that gathers regularly throughout the year for connection, support, and community building. These family gatherings provide an opportunity to build deeper relationships, celebrate successes, navigate challenges together, and create a sense of belonging that extends beyond one-on-one mentorship. 
  • Participate in monthly STARS community gatherings focused on belonging, identity development, campus navigation, current events that matter to you, and creating space for connection, laughter, and joy. 
  • Attend the annual overnight STARS Retreat, a powerful off-campus weekend experience focused on relationship building, reflection, and exploring your intersectional identities through workshops, dialogue, and intentional rest.
  • Be part of the larger CSIB community, a place where your story matters and your voice is valued. 

The STARS Mentorship program and all other CSIB programming and initiatives are open to all Ramblers regardless of religion, race, color, sex, gender, or sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.

Mentee Applications

Apply to participate as a STARS mentee below.

Priority Deadline: May 15, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. CST 
Final Deadline: July 1, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. CST