History

Students Taking A Right Stand (STARS) was founded in 1984 as a program of Center for Youth Issues. The tremendous vision and commitment of Ambassador Joe M. Rodgers and other key community, school and civic leaders to help students refrain from the use of alcohol and drugs began at one school site. A professionally trained STARS Specialist worked with students in their school to give them the assistance and support they needed to make healthy lifestyle choices. Hundreds of personal commitments were made to remain alcohol and drug free. Trusted community leaders who would provide strategic guidance formed the first Board of Directors.

Twenty years later, many of those same committed Board members remain actively involved in the leadership of STARS. In ten Middle Tennessee counties, more than 75 school and community sites and a staff of over 70, the STARS Board of Directors and Staff remain committed and responsive to the needs of students and families in Middle Tennessee and throughout the country.