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/

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Community & Business Networking: The foundation hosts monthly "Mentor Amigos" dinners, an Advisory Board for local business leaders, and end-of-year Career Exploration events.

• 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.

https://caddooffices.com/

#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 Opportunities