GOLD STAR RISING
Lifting up the children and siblings of fallen heroes.
Heroes Linked’s Gold Star Rising program empowers Gold Star teens and young adults—the children and siblings of U.S. military service members lost in the line of duty—from age 13 through their college years. Through arts enrichment and educational support, Gold Star Rising fosters healing, confidence, self-expression, and the practical resources to pursue what comes next.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Where Healing Meets Creative Expression
The Challenge
Gold Star teens and young adults carry profound loss into the years when peers are discovering who they are, building identity, choosing their futures, and navigating the cost of higher education—often while still processing grief. They need supportive spaces to create, express, and grow alongside others who understand.
The Solution
Gold Star Rising offers two complementary forms of support. Arts enrichment workshops provide Gold Star teens with a community of mentors and peers to explore filmmaking, theatre, creative writing, storytelling, creativity, and personal growth. Educational support helps Gold Star young adults afford essential college expenses—including laptops, course materials, transportation, and other academic necessities not covered by tuition or housing assistance.
Together, these opportunities build resilience, confidence, leadership, and self-expression while forming one continuous program built around the people we exist to serve.
“Helping Gold Star children and siblings rise — through the arts and through education — is one of the most meaningful ways we can honor the legacy of those who served.”
— Robert F. Jerome, Board Chair
Pilot program launches in 2026
Gold Star Rising is currently in its pilot phase, with the first program iteration planned in 2026. Participants build resilience, strengthen communication and leadership skills, and gain confidence through artistic achievement and shared experience with peers from similar backgrounds.
CREATIVE OPPORTUNITIES
Three Paths to Discover Your Voice
The pilot program focuses on three creative disciplines, offering hands-on experiences guided by professional artists, filmmakers, writers, and theatre professionals who volunteer their expertise to inspire the next generation of creative voices. Workshops are designed in partnership with arts organizations and creative studios, allowing participants to learn alongside people who do this work for a living.
Filmmaking
Visual Storytelling
- Scriptwriting & directing
- Cinematography
- Acting & editing
- Production
Creative Writing
Word & Voice
- Poetry & prose
- Spoken word
- Podcast storytelling
- Scriptwriting
Theatre
Performance & Stage
- Playwriting & Acting
- Directing
- Stage design
- Backstage production
CONTINUOUS SUPPORT
A Complete Support Network
Gold Star Rising integrates Heroes Linked's Gold Star College Care initiative to provide a continuous arc of support for Gold Star teens and young adults from age 13 through their college years. In addition to immersive arts experiences, participants can receive supplemental educational support for educational expenses not covered by tuition or housing assistance, including:
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Laptop computers
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Course materials
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Transportation
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Academic necessities
Building a National Network
Heroes Linked is building partnerships with arts organizations, veteran-serving nonprofits, creative professionals, and studios across the country, with an initial focus on major metropolitan and military-connected communities, to bring Gold Star Rising to more families.supplemental educational support for essential expenses not covered by tuition or housing assistance, including:
Arts Organizations
Veteran-Serving Nonprofits
Studios & Creatives
Community Connectors
NEXT STEPS
Multiple Ways to Get Involved
Honor the Legacy of a Fallen Hero
Support the children and siblings of those who gave their lives in service. Help them create, learn, and rise.
How to get involved
Gold Star Rising is in its pilot phase. Children and siblings of fallen U.S. Military service members ages 13 to 18 can register their interest below to receive details as soon as applications open.
For Partners and Creative Professionals
If you are an arts organization, studio, mentor, or creative professional interested in contributing to the program, Heroes Linked would love to hear from you.