Building Stars Leadership Academy

Building Stars Academy

Mission:

To introduce and educate interested high school students about diverse opportunities in vocational training and alternative sustainable career pathways.

Vision:

The vision of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is to maintain and augment its community leadership in supporting and recognizing aspiring high school students by empowering them to grow into productive and contributing citizens.

About the Program

The Community Outreach Division of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is constantly evolving to meet the many challenges inherent to a diverse and growing school environment. The Community Outreach Division meets these challenges by developing new initiatives and partnering with other community stakeholders who can contribute to the success of this mission.

In 2024, the Community Outreach Division, in conjunction with other community partners, developed a leadership program to reward highly motivated students, who are juniors advancing to their senior year of high school. The program, called "The Sheriff’s Building Stars Leadership Academy” was developed to reward these students and provide them with a week-long challenging leadership course.

One eligible student is selected to represent each Hillsborough County public high school. The week-long leadership course is fully funded by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and will culminate in an awards ceremony for the participants and their families at the successful completion of the program.

Program Goals

Develop essential life skills and seek to empower students to navigate challenges effectively.
Foster personal growth and self-development, empowering students to become confident, resilient individuals who can achieve their aspirations.
Promote positive relationships and community engagement where students can learn from each other and make a positive impact.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

Each applicant must be a junior, advancing to their senior year of high school.
Applicants shall provide a transcript supporting a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Applicants must be pursuing a skilled trade post-high school or show interest in that career path.
Applicants may not have a criminal history.
To be selected, students must complete a 500-word essay on how they want to pursue a career in a skilled trade. This essay should be typed and double-spaced.
One letter of recommendation from a non-relative of the applicant must be submitted on their behalf.
Completed applications shall be submitted to the applicant’s guidance counselor or school resource deputy/officer no later than March 21st, 2025.

Post-Application Process

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay will form a selection committee to choose finalists from the applicants who apply from the selected schools.
The applicants chosen to participate in the program will then be provided with a Release and Indemnity Form, as well as an Emergency Notification Form to be signed by their parent or legal guardian. These forms must be completed and returned to the applicant’s guidance counselor or school resource deputy/officer to participate in the program.