The STARS Program Uses Scuba Diving to Motivate "At-Risk" Youth
29 mar 2007 | Source: DiveSter
Recently, 11 suburban Chicago students deemed "at-risk" learned how to dive. Working with Scuba Training At Risk Students (STARS), a nonprofit organization that helps youths do better in school and succeed in future careers, the aim of the program is to give "problem" children a focus and re-direct their energies. After 12 weeks of class and pool time, the students ultimately traveled to Turks and Caicos, participated in 11 dives, and earned their open-water certificates. They also feel more confident and inspired to do better in school. Don't believe me? Just listen to what Zac Stanley, a 14-year-old STARS participant says: "I'm a whole new person. I learned how to scuba dive, but I also learned some life lessons -- just to stay calm and respect others. I definitely improved in public speaking and I have much more self-esteem." Um...wow.

According to Kevin Vaughn, director of STARS, the program already has begun its spring program by nominating 32 middle and high school students who are battling issues ranging from learning disorders to single-parent homes to financial instability. However, not surprisingly, "The money issue is a big distraction," said Vaughn, who spent about $12,500 out of pocket last year to sponsor the program and trip. If you want to help out, you can spread the word about this program, or make a donation to keep it running. At the very least, we can give Vaughn and his colleagues Divester's Hero of the Week Award.

[Via Dive-News]


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