STARS (Students Teaching About Responsible Sexuality) is our high school peer education program. STARS educate their friends, peers, family, and community about sexual and reproductive health and rights and connect people to Planned Parenthood services. We checked in with two of our former STARS to see what they’re up to now and how the program helped them along the way.
Chloe Murphy (2014-2017)
Current Occupation: Library Worker
“The STARS program not only gave me the opportunity to learn about reproductive health and individual well-being alongside my peers, but I was also able to gain valuable professional development as a young person. Through STARS I felt empowered to practice sovereignty over my reproductive health and gained confidence in my professional capabilities. STARS encouraged me to continue on in the community education space. Since STARS, I have worked with students in Connecticut, Philadelphia, and Sao Paulo and am now enjoying a position at my local library! Overall, this program really set me up for success. Being a STAR was also just so fun!”
Liana Cunningham (2014-2017)
Current Occupation: Senior Director of Education and Training at PPSNE
"I got my start with PPSNE, then Planned Parenthood of Connecticut, as a member of STARS. Initially, I joined to fill the gap in my high school sex education and quickly discovered that STARS went beyond that. Being a STAR taught me leadership, public speaking, and educational skills that helped me find my passion for sex education. When I eventually came into my role as a professional educator, I was well-prepared from day one, thanks to my experience in the STARS program."
Tags: Reproductive Rights, education