F-STAR Program
The FOTO-sponsored F-STAR program (Friends of Taylor Observatory Student Telescope Astronomy Resource) provides a loaned telescope, instructional resources, and mentorship to a full-time Lake County student in grades 9-12 or the first two years of community college.
Eligibility: F-STAR welcomes students 20 years of age or younger in a full-time instructional program in 9th-12th grade or equivalent (students under age 18 require the co-signature of a parent or guardian). Students from public or parochial schools, private school students, and home-schooled students are eligible. Interest in astronomy may be broadly interpreted among STEAM areas of study, including Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math.
Nomination and Acceptance: Candidates for F-STAR will usually have demonstrated a prior significant interest in astronomy, including school course work, visits to Taylor Observatory, or mentorship by an amateur or professional astronomer. Nominations from teachers, parents, and others familiar with the student’s interest and accomplishments are welcomed. Award decisions are made by the Board of Directors of Friends of Taylor Observatory.
Term: The program term is one year, renewable by mutual agreement.
Obligations of FOTO: Provide 1) A loaned telescope appropriate to the applicant's interest; 2) A copy of the astronomy textbook field guide, “Nightwatch – A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe” by Terence Dikinson; 3) Two mentors to assist the student.
Obligations of the F-STAR Awardee: 1) Abide by the provisions of the signed contract, which includes an agreement to never point the telescope at the sun; 2) Keep in contact with FOTO through the mentors; 3) Provide to FOTO a brief description of how the telescope is being used at three-month intervals.
For more information or to apply for FOTO's F-STAR Program, contact the Friends of Taylor Observatory.
Elena Bloomquist, the first recipient of the F-STAR astronomy mentorship, with her Celestron telescope
