Developed by Stephenson Disaster Management Institute — Louisiana State University

The operating system for Youth Challenge

STARS replaces paper forms, spreadsheets, and disconnected tools with one secure platform for application intake, cadet tracking, and recruiting operations across every state program.

40+
Programs nationwide
180k
Graduates since 1993
22wk
Residential program

Platform Preview

Everything in one place

From the moment a parent fills out an application to the day a cadet graduates, STARS tracks every step — giving staff real-time visibility and families peace of mind.

stars.lsu.edu/staff/dashboard
Dashboard
Louisiana Youth Challenge
Class 64 Active
Active Cadets
142
Pending Apps
38
In Review
12
This Cycle
89%
Recent Applications
Johnson, M.
Under ReviewFeb 22
Williams, K.
ApprovedFeb 21
Davis, A.
PendingFeb 20
Garcia, S.
InterviewFeb 19
Staff dashboardMobile-readyReal-time analytics

How It Works

Simple for everyone

Whether you are a parent applying for your child or a staff member managing hundreds of cadets, STARS adapts to your workflow.

For Parents & Families
1

Submit an application

Fill out the online form from any device. Upload documents, sign consents, and get a confirmation — no paper required.

2

Track every stage

See exactly where your application stands. Get notified when status changes happen — from review to interview to acceptance.

3

Stay connected

Once enrolled, the Parent Portal keeps you updated on your cadet's progress, milestones, and program communications.

For Program Staff
1

Receive applications automatically

Every application — whether from the parent portal, a recruiter, or a public link — flows into the same unified queue.

2

Review, interview, decide

Built-in workflow stages move applicants through your process. Assign reviewers, schedule interviews, and record decisions.

3

Manage the full lifecycle

Track cadets through enrollment, platoon assignment, progress milestones, and graduation — all from one dashboard.

100%
Digital intake
Fully paperless application and enrollment process
50%
Faster processing
Average reduction in application review time
24/7
Portal access
Parents and staff access the platform anytime
Zero
Lost applications
Every submission tracked from intake to completion

Platform Capabilities

Built for every role

STARS isn't a generic form builder. It's purpose-built for Youth Challenge — every feature designed around how your program actually operates.

Parent Portal

Parents submit applications, upload documents, e-sign consents, and track their child's progress through the program. Real-time status updates keep families engaged and informed.

  • Online application submission
  • Document upload & e-signatures
  • Real-time status tracking
  • Program communications

Unified Intake Engine

Whether applications come through the parent portal, from recruiters in the field, or via public links — every entry flows through the same configurable workflow engine.

  • Multi-channel application intake
  • Configurable review workflows
  • Automated status progression
  • Interview scheduling

Staff Operations

Recruiting pipeline management, case tracking, platoon assignment, and cadet progress monitoring — with role-based access so every staff member sees exactly what they need.

  • Role-based access controls
  • Recruiting pipeline management
  • Cadet lifecycle tracking
  • Reporting & analytics

Workflow automation

Configurable BPMN workflows that match your program's actual processes.

Smart notifications

Keep parents and staff informed at every stage with automated alerts.

Program analytics

Dashboards and reports that give leadership real-time visibility.

Multi-state support

Each state runs independently with its own branding, forms, and workflows.

Security & Compliance

Built for government-grade data protection

STARS handles sensitive information about minors and families. Security isn't an afterthought — it's foundational to every layer of the platform.

Encrypted at rest and in transit

All data is encrypted using industry-standard protocols. Sensitive documents are stored with additional encryption layers.

Role-based access controls

Granular permissions ensure staff only access data relevant to their role and assigned locations.

State-isolated tenancy

Your state's information is kept separate and protected, with strict access controls that prevent other states from seeing your data.

Data encryption
AES-256
Authentication
MFA-ready
Access controls
RBAC
Tenant isolation
Per-state
Session management
JWT + lockout

Programs Nationwide

Choose your state

Each state runs its own Youth Challenge program. Select yours to start an application or sign in.