MAAP STARS
Judy Jo (Grade 11 / Liberty HIgh) Originally published May 2005MAAP STARS is a youth program where students from alternative and charter schools get together and compete for plaques and other awards. There is a conference in the spring, which expands over two days. Students show their talents to gain self esteem, confidence, friends, and awards.
At the conference, students compete in teams and individually. They also have the chance to compete in artistic performances, displays, and demonstrations. MAAP was organized by a small group of educators in alternative education in the 1980s.
MAAP stands for Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs. STARS is Success, Teamwork, Achievement, Recognition, and Self-esteem.
The STARS program was created to give students the chance to gain self-esteem, confidence, and responsibility.
There are events that prepare students for jobs and careers, such as Career Portfolio, Public Speaking Employment Interview, Job Manual, and Entrepreneurship. Other team events include Parenting, Decision Making, Team Advertising, and Team Audio, Video, or Live Promotion.
Schools come from all over Minnesota and surrounding states as well. Liberty High Charter School will be sending 15 students to compete in this year’s spring conference April 14-15, which is being held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Minneapolis.