Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Jones.
Jessica , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Founded by Jessica and Blake Bartnick in 2014, Foundation for CHOICE was born out of a passion for helping underserved students unlock their potential. As a first-generation college graduate, Blake experienced firsthand the obstacles low-income students face when trying to pursue higher education and build a successful career. That personal understanding became the driving force behind creating a program that could remove barriers and open doors for students who need support the most.
What began as a small effort to connect motivated students with caring mentors has grown into a structured, 27-week one-on-one mentoring program that guides high-school juniors and seniors through the academic, personal, and financial steps needed to transition into college and a long-term career path. The focus has always remained the same, providing consistent support, real-world exposure, and opportunities that students might not otherwise receive.
Over the years, Foundation for CHOICE has expanded its reach through partnerships with schools, volunteers, and community organizations across North Texas. Through mentoring, life-skills training, career exploration, and scholarships, the foundation continues to empower first-generation and underserved youth to break cycles of poverty and achieve futures they once thought were out of reach.
What started with the vision of two founders has become a community-driven effort that changes lives every year, proving that one individual truly can change everything.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has not always been smooth. Foundation for CHOICE was created to fill a real gap in support for underserved students, and growing a program like this naturally came with challenges. In the early years, one of the biggest struggles was simply building awareness and helping schools, partners, and potential mentors understand how powerful a structured mentoring program could be.
Another challenge was recruiting and retaining enough volunteer mentors to offer consistent, long-term support to every student in the program. As the organization expanded, it also faced the ongoing difficulty of securing reliable funding through grants, donations, and community partnerships so that all services could remain free for students.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the foundation faced new obstacles. The team had to quickly shift to virtual mentoring, support students who lacked stable internet or devices, and respond to the increased stress and uncertainty many families were experiencing.
Even though there were challenges, each one helped the organization grow stronger. Today, Foundation for CHOICE continues to expand its reach, strengthen relationships with schools and community partners, and open more opportunities for students. The journey has required persistence, but it has also shown how committed people can create meaningful change when they stay focused on the mission.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Foundation for CHOICE is focused on one mission. We help underserved and first-generation high school students successfully transition into college and career through consistent, one-on-one mentoring and real-world support. Everything we do is built around giving students the guidance, knowledge, and confidence they need to create a different future for themselves.
Our program specializes in a 27-week mentorship model that pairs students with trained mentors who walk alongside them during their junior and senior years. This includes college applications, FAFSA completion, scholarship support, career exploration, and essential life-skills training. The results show how powerful that support can be. In the 2024 to 2025 year, CHOICE students earned more than 4.8 million dollars in total college funding, with an average of 62,551 dollars awarded per student. They also achieved 592 total college acceptance letters and completed 630 scholarship applications, demonstrating the level of individualized help they receive.
Our work also strengthens schools. Through 10,217 volunteer hours and more than 337,000 dollars in school resources saved, we help campuses provide support they often cannot offer on their own. The mentorship and guidance we provide directly contribute to higher FAFSA completion rates, stronger test scores, and increased college readiness among students who historically face the greatest barriers.
We are most proud of the long-term outcomes. Our students are not only being accepted to college but are attending respected institutions such as the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, Cornell, Vanderbilt, and many others. They are also gaining professional exposure through visits and experiences with companies like Toyota, Microsoft, McKesson, JP Morgan, T-Mobile, and AT&T. These experiences help students see what is possible and begin building a professional network long before graduation.
What truly sets Foundation for CHOICE apart is our personal, relationship-based approach. We walk with students step by step, week after week, and give them the support many have never had access to. We believe that one committed adult can change the entire direction of a student’s life, and our data shows that this model works. Our students consistently break cycles of poverty, earn meaningful college funding, and find a clear path to the future they want.
This is the heart of our work. We meet students where they are, we stay with them through the hardest parts of the journey, and we help them reach outcomes that lift not only their future but their families and communities as well.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Foundation for CHOICE has grown because of the many people who believe in our mission and work every day to support our students. Our founder, Jessica Bartnick, deserves recognition for creating the vision that started it all. Her passion for helping first-generation and underserved students build a stronger future is the reason the organization exists today.
Our Executive Director, Colleen Mier, has been a major guiding force. Her leadership, dedication, and ability to strengthen partnerships have allowed the program to expand and reach more students each year. She ensures that every part of the program remains high quality and centered on student success.
Our Development Manager, Jessica Jones, plays an important role in building community relationships, connecting with supporters, and raising awareness about the impact of our work. Her commitment helps secure the resources needed to keep the program growing and available to students at no cost.
Our Program Coordinator, Edgar Sculark, works directly with students throughout the school year. He supports them on their campuses, helps them stay on track with deadlines, guides them through program activities, and serves as a steady source of encouragement. His direct involvement ensures that students always have someone they trust to turn to.
We are also grateful for the dedication of our volunteer mentors who meet with students each week and walk with them through the college and career process. Our school partners, including administrators and counselors, play a key part by welcoming us onto their campuses and helping identify students who need this support. Our board members and donors continue to stand behind the mission and help the organization grow stronger each year.
The success of Foundation for CHOICE is truly a team effort. It is the combined dedication of founders, staff, mentors, school partners, and supporters that allows us to continue empowering students and helping them open doors to a brighter future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://foundationforchoice.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foundation_for_c.h.o.i.c.e/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoundationForCHOICE
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-foundation-for-c-h-o-i-c-e-/posts/?feedView=all
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@foundationforchoice
