Raised in a rough neighborhood, Starsky had always dreamed of going to college. Being the first person in his family to apply to college, he did it without much guidance. He was accepted to Morgan State University in Maryland, but his family couldn’t offer much financial support.

“I couldn’t afford the out-of-state tuition, so I moved in with my aunt in Maryland. But it was a two-hour commute, and I was missing classes. I ended up staying with my friends on campus, or sleeping in the library. I was getting good grades, but I couldn’t afford meals. Some days I’d eat one bag of potato chips.”

Starsky decided to transfer to SUNY Albany, but he needed help. He found it in On Point for College. On Point helped him fill out applications and financial aid forms, gave him a care package with school and dorm room supplies, and offered him rides to and from school. “It’s amazing how many students drop out of school each semester because they can’t afford a bus ticket back,” says Ginny Donohue, founder.

Starsky graduated in 2003, becoming the first On Point student to earn a four-year degree. “I can honestly say without On Point’s help I never would have made it,” he said. Now his younger brothers and sisters are applying to college with On Point’s help.

Starsky knew he wanted to return to his neighborhood after graduation and make a difference. “I lost four of my friends when I was in school,” he said. “They were killed.” In college, Starsky learned about African-American culture. He was particularly touched by the works of Dr. Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican African-American leader who spoke out against inequality. Starsky decided that Garvey, who dedicated his life to improving the African-American condition, was a good role model for his community.

He promoted Garvey’s messages in the form of a mural project entitled, “Stop Think Change,” that was designed to stop at-risk behavior, get youth thinking about their future and the future of their community, and act to create meaningful change. His first mural is on the corner of East Fayette and Croly streets. “In 2002 and 2003 there were a lot more homicides than there were in the past year in that four-block area. Now it’s totally different. People really understand what it was about.”

Former Syracuse Mayor Tom Young, who volunteers with On Point for College, knows with the right help along the way, challenges can be overcome. “These students are proving that the stereotype is not, in fact, the reality,” Young said. “On Point for College is a great vehicle of hope for impoverished city youth, primarily African Americans.”