STARS Series is an after school sports/healthy living program providing girls ages 8-14 with (i) basic sport skills training (throwing, passing, shooting, dribbling, running) in a variety of sports so that they develop the confidence and enthusiasm to continue to seek out opportunities to play and (ii) the opportunity to read and discuss women's sport stories focused on healthy living. At each session, a PowerPlay trained, female coach leads the girls in sport skill building and then uses the Women's Sports Foundation's GoGirlGo Heathy Living curriculum to discuss topics like: nutrition, being different, smoking, getting enough sleep, dealing with emotions, abuse, alcoholism, etc. "Sports were part of my family's life, but I didn't play because I didn't know how. PowerPlay taught me how to play. Now, I can't even pick a favorite sport because I like to play them all," says Sydelcis M., a participant in the STARS Series program at Young Women's Leadership Schools.

STARS Series programs meet once a week during the school year. During each semester, the girls may try up to three different sports including basketball, volleyball, soccer, lacrosse, football, track & field and/or baseball/softball. Each group is led by a PowerPlay-trained coach and a female staff person from the community-based organization with whom we are working. Some sites have an additional PowerPlay assistant coach.

The STARS Series programs have been offered in collaboration with more than 25 schools and community-based organizations citywide, serving approximately 250 girls per year.

Click for STARS Series Packet