In 1993, Margot Rutledge was asked to create and deliver a program to build self-esteem in middle school children. She taught her first program at Parker Middle School in Reading, Massachusetts and for the next several years, worked with middle school and high school students throughout eastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. An avid student of human potential, she has researched the skills and competencies that help children to achieve and to thrive both in and out of school. This continuous research, along with the experience of working with hundreds of children, has lead to the creation of S.T.A.R. Teens, an achievement and life skills program that can be facilitated either as a mentoring program, one caring adult or mentor working with one child or in small group relationships established between young people and adults.

“We have reviewed the evaluations completed by staff and students and rarely have I ever seen such an overwhelming support for a program.”

Middle School Principal
Reading, Massachusetts

“In my opinion, all children need what this program has to offer, and for this reason, we have expanded the pilot workshop with twenty-two students to a workshop for our entire fifth grade, which includes more than 220 students.”

Fifth Grade Teacher
Bedford, New Hampshire 

“Even the most timid and the most distracted youngsters seemed to flourish under this approach. I strongly urge you to repeat this program next year.

Parent
Sherborn, Massachusetts