History

STARS was originally founded in 1984 by Eric Weaver and Chuck Miccolis under the name Rent-A-Student. Eric was busy following his dreams by working on developing a patent in freshman engineering classes. Chuck remembered Eric from High School in NJ and asked about expanding the concept so all students could pursue private patents while in school. This concept expanded with help from the Florida Job Services Director of "Rent-A-Kid" to provide students with school credits for their work experiences.

Rent-A-Student shortly thereafter combined Chuck's organizational skills with Eric's vision to give the group direction. They began lobbying to get talented university students to donate their time and budding expertise to assisting in community service projects in exchange for college credits.

Keith Sargent got involved with the organization shortly thereafter and helped move the group forward with his abilities to promote and generate interest. In 1987, Keith brought in Fred Arce, an ex-boxing buddy and talent agent, to sponsor a series of Talent Searches whose message to young people was to explore your artistic talents rather than succumb to peer pressure towards drugs and promiscuity. The events were televised and brought credibility to Rent-A-Student.

Rent-A-Student continued to move forward until in 1991 the student organization was incorporated into a full 501c3 non-profit under it's present name STARS - Students Taking an Active Role in Society. With the help of Tampa accountant David A. Kinser, the group was able to make this transition.

Over the past 14 years, STARS has continued to do only things that will benefit the community. Under its present Mission Statement, "any project proposed by members that might prove to be useful in the world" is given consideration.

Come join us and let's see what happens next.