STARS Levels of Support
Your support of Smithsonian STARS helps nurture the next generation of students passionate about science and discovery. Whether you’re inspired to fund a full school or support the tools that make STARS classrooms thrive, every gift helps bring science closer to students who need it most.
Programmatic Support Levels
Spark | Up to $999
Your gift ignites imagination and fuels exploration.
Stargazer | $1,000 - $4,999
You help broaden horizons and inspire wonder.
Solar Flare | $5,000-$9,999
Your generosity amplifies impact across classrooms.
Skywatchers | $10,000-$14,999
You elevate learning and bring new possibilities into view.
Orbiters
As a recurring monthly donor, you keep STARS in motion all year long.
Leadership Levels
Curiosity Catalysts | $15,000 – $99,999
Inspiring the next generation of STEM thinkers. Funds one to six individual schools.
Rural Lightkeepers | $100,000 – $249,999
Funds seven to 15 individual schools or funds the initial outreach and lesson plan development in a state of your choice.
Telescope Trailblazers | $250,000 – $499,999
Funds 16 to 32 schools and pilots the program in a state of your choice. Donors at this level receive a high-quality portable Celestron™ telescope.
Founding Circle | $500,000 – $1,999,999
Celebrating our core champions. Funds 33 or more schools and accelerates the deployment of the program in a state of their choice. These generous donors receive naming rights on the telescopes.
Polaris Society | $2,000,000+
Polaris Society members help bring the full STARS program to their state, including naming rights on telescopes and recognition as a statewide STEM education leader.
Ways to Support
Give by mail
Checks should be made payable to the Smithsonian Institution and mailed to:
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
PO Box 418320
Boston, MA 02241-8320
Leave a Legacy
Create a lasting impact through your will, charitable gift annuity, donor advised fund, gift of real estate, and more.
For questions about supporting STARS, contact:
Laura Blackwelder
Assistant Director of Advancement, STARS
BlackwelderL@si.edu
617-352-5016