Photo Credit: Melanie L. Brown for Steed Media
True Star Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides media, arts and professional development programs for Chicago youth. TSF has taken an innovative approach to mentoring with on-the-job training programs that actually let students create, produce and work for a youth-operated media company. Through after-school programs, urban youths collectively create True Star Magazine, True Star Jr. Magazine, True Star Radio, True Star Media TV and Truestaris.com.
True Star Foundation helps young people find their voice, choose their path, and prepare for life. They held a “Come Ride With Us” fundraiser reception at the Chicago Uber headquarters. “Come Ride With Us” aims to raise funds for True Star’s multimedia and marketing apprenticeship programs so the organization can continue to offer youth meaningful employment that develops 21st-century job skills. Over the summer, True Star employed 150 youth in eight programs throughout the city of Chicago.
The founders, DeAnna McLeary-Sherman and Na-Tae Thompson, have been generating opportunities in design, digital media, broadcasting, print media and marketing for over 10 years. Many students were highlighted who were current and former students of the True Star program. They gave their testimonies about what they’ve learned from the program or programs they were involved in. Individuals were given awards who helped to meet the needs of the foundation to help push it forward, including Alderman Michael Scott Jr.; Lisa Cooper, State Farm community relations director; Karen Calloway, Kenwood assistant principal of community and student affairs; Jacqueline Crittle, True Star distinguished parent; and Deshaun “Trig” Adams, True Star instructor and promotions director. Proceeds went toward the enhancement of the foundation’s multi-media and marketing apprenticeship programming. Many officials and well-wishers came to support the event. People also took part in the silent auction of merchandise signed by NFL players, MLB players, NBA players and more. Everyone there also had the option to enjoy a $10 discount on their Uber ride home from the event through True Star’s partnership with the company.
