Episode Details
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Jessica Jones - Foundation for Choice.org
Description
Can just one hour a week change the trajectory of a student's life? On this episode of Caddo Convos, guest Jessica Jones from Foundation For Choice breaks down how 1-on-1 mentorship, career exploration, and corporate partnerships are transforming high school juniors and seniors into confident, college-and-career-ready leaders.
Whether you're a local business owner looking to give back or an individual wanting to make a tangible impact, this conversation is a powerful reminder of how community mentorship creates real change.
Contact:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-jones-mba-96496b255/
https://foundationforchoice.org/
https://www.instagram.com/foundation_for_c.h.o.i.c.e/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/FoundationForCHOICE/
Key Takeaways
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Targeted Student Support: Foundation For Choice operates primarily in Dallas ISD (and expanding to Richardson ISD), pairing underserved high school juniors and seniors with 1-on-1 mentors for 27 weeks.
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Low-Barrier Commitment for Mentors: Mentors meet with students during the school day for about an hour a week (with a baseline expectation of at least once a month), using a guided, step-by-step curriculum provided by the organization.
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Hands-on Career Exploration: Beyond standard mentoring, the program organizes business field trips (e.g., Capital One, Intuit) and connects students with "Business Champions" for industry research and informational calls.
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Real Success Stories: Program participant Justin went from doubting college was for him to securing a summer internship with American Airlines through the mentorship network.
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First-Gen College Guidance: The curriculum helps students—many of whom are first-generation college-bound—navigate college selection, scholarship searches, and financial aid without fear or confusion.
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Community & Business Networking: The foundation hosts monthly "Mentor Amigos" dinners, an Advisory Board for local business leaders, and end-of-year Career Exploration events.
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Demystifying Mentorship: Jessica emphasizes that mentors don't need special expertise; the simple act of showing up, giving time, and validating a student's potential is what drives results.
Podcast services provided by Blue Mic Studios, the podcast production division of Visual Learning Solutions, LLC.
https://www.bluemicstudios.com/
Blue Mic Studios is located in Frisco at the Westridge location of Caddo Offices Reimagined.
#CaddoConvos #FoundationForChoice #MentorshipMatters #DFWNonprofit #StudentSuccess #CollegeAndCareerReady #BusinessInCommunity #VolunteerDallas #YouthEmpowerment #GiveBack DallasISD
Mentorship, Student Success, Foundation For Choice, High School Mentoring, Corporate Social Responsibility, Dallas Mentoring, College Readiness, First Generation College Students, Business Champions, Volunteer Opportu