S T a R S Mentoring Program
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To support our at-risk youth population in becoming contributing members to their community by creating physical social mental safe space to thrive.
- Income
- $68,978
- Spending
- $198,502
- Spent on programs
- 79%
- Reserves
- 3.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
- Employees
- 6
- Volunteers
- 0
- Highest pay
- $21,800, president and ed
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 55 out of 100. Higher than 19% of charities in its peer group (education, under $250k).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 3.6 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 188% of income.
Income trend
0 of 15Income fell 71% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1579% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 26 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Weak: 47 out of 100. Higher than 22% of charities in its peer group (education, under $250k).
Independent board
25 of 256 of 8 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
0 of 15Reports no written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (1)
- $157,517 spent. We had an awesome year at STARS this year 2024 2025. Our program and administrative goals were met or exceeded. This year we wanted to extend the reach of STARS into the school day. By being able to hire 4-part time mentors gave us an opportunity to support some of our more extensive students in a in school capacity which would also include our out of school after school programming. This gives us more hours with the student and allows us to provide more support for students who need it. We were in 3 different schools last fall serving 17 students in the new in school model. The students completed the year with improved attendance and improved academic and social skills. We were pleased with this outcome. The other great thing we were able to do this year was purchase a program vehicle. This allowed us be more creative in our programming and community outings. We were able to provide transportation for students who otherwise couldnt make it to programming. This was a great asset to our programming this year. We were able to continue our student intern ship program. Paying students a stipend for interning in 3 of our career paths. Barbers Restaurant cook Business owner. Students intern on the weekends to gain valuable social skills and career information. This year we were able to hold our annual community events. Events that support our students and their families. Our annual back to school inspiration back pack give away. Multi-cultural career day and our black history celebration. We were also able to participate in feeding the less fortunate leaf removal and community clean ups as a part of our community service and accountability. We were also able to continue providing after school sports for the local are non-traditional high schools. Providing Volley ball basketball Track and 7 on 7 football throughout the school year. Serving approx. 165 kids this year. We feel like we have made strong gains for the program and the services we provide for our at-risk student population and look forward to continue or service.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since March 2015.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.