2021 STRATEGIC PLAN - South Texas Astronomical Society

2021
2021 SUMMARY

               SOUTH TEXAS ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
  STRATEGIC
  PLAN

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STRATEGIC PLAN SUMMARY 2021

WHAT STARS
IS ABOUT…
WHO WE ARE
South Texas Astronomical Society (STARS) is a Brownsville—based nonprofit
organization nonprofit dedicated to space science education and outreach.
With help of our local partners, we organize and hosts educational events in these
fields with the goal to enhance public awareness of forward-thinking initiatives in
Brownsville and the Rio Grande Valley .

MISSION
is to ignite curiosity through exploration of the universe.

VISION
The Rio Grande Valley finds itself at the geographical frontier of humanity’s next
great endeavor: The exploration of space. This journey will bring with it
opportunities and resources that will change our community forever. STARS fully
embraces this destiny as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve the
quality of life for those living and working in South Texas.
STARS fosters connections to the community, science, and the universe across
all ages, cultures, and disciplines to provide opportunities for exploration and
discovery in the Rio Grande Valley.

https://starsocietyrgv.org        info@starssocietyrgv.org                  Page 2 of 5

STRATEGIC PLAN SUMMARY 2021

OUR CORE VALUES
Curiosity — We spark interest in Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Art and Math
(STREAM).
Exploration — We search to discover.
Accessibility — We include people of all ages, cultures, and abilities.
Partnerships — We create more together than we can alone.
Community — We love the family of the Rio Grande Valley, and beyond.

STARS GOALS
Education
To provide opportunities for discovery
To create sharing of interests and experiences
To encourage girls + under-served kids to pursue science
To teach teachers
Science
To create a forum for science communications + discussion
To create hands-on, interactive approaches
Children
To generate excitement - have fun!
To get kids to meet scientists, connect with experts, collaborate with institutions
Community
To always ask what our community needs, ask for feedback, talk to people - as many as possible
To attract people to come to RGV, especially tourism
Careers
To craft a space pipeline for RGV space science career opportunities
To mentor young explorers

https://starsocietyrgv.org           info@starssocietyrgv.org                        Page 3 of 5

STRATEGIC PLAN SUMMARY 2021

PARTNERS &
PROGRAMS
PROGRAMS
Stargazing events
Lectures & Seminars
Science programs
Podcasts
STARS on Tap
Livestreams
Workshops…and more!

PARTNERS
Brownsville Independent School District
The Mitte Cultural District
University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley
Christina Torres Memorial Observatory
Center for Gravitational Wave Astronomy
Resaca de la Palma State Park
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
Brownsville Public Library System
Southmost Library Observatory
The Children’s Museum of Brownsville
Texas Southmost College
NASA

https://starsocietyrgv.org     info@starssocietyrgv.org   Page 4 of 5

STRATEGIC PLAN SUMMARY 2021

ABOUT STARS
THE SOUTH TEXAS ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY (STARS) IS A
501(C)(3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION PROVIDING SPACE SCIENCE
EDUCATION, ADVOCACY & COMMUNITY OUTREACH.

STARS was founded in 1992 through               We hope continue in fulfilling our mission
efforts and passion of Carol Lutsinger,         with educational and creative quality space
Science Coordinator for the Brownsville         science programs to serve the greater
Independent School District.                    Brownsville community.

In early 2019, the Dean of Astronomy
and Physics at UTRGV, Dr. Mario
Diaz, introduced Carol to astronomy
enthusiast Victor De Los Santos.

Marija Jetté joined Victor and Carol to
help create the South Texas Astronomical
Society brand and relaunch STARS.

This effort culminated in the STARS
inaugural event on July 20, 2019. The
UTRGV CTMObservatory hosted the
Apollo Moon Landing Mission’s 50th
anniversary celebration.

Since then, STARSociety has continued
to grow and gain support from local
partners and citizens.

https://starsocietyrgv.org              info@starssocietyrgv.org                          Page 5 of 5