Building Pathways for Student Success

Jessica Bartnick, co-founder and CEO of Foundation for C.H.O.I.C.E, joins us to illuminate the power of mentorship in transforming the lives of students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. With "CHOICE" meaning "Consider how One Individual Changes Everything," Jessica shares how her organization's mission is deeply personal, inspired by her husband's success as a first-generation college graduate. We explore how the foundation navigates the complexities of the college application process, connecting students with mentors who guide them through a transformative 27-week curriculum. This structured support has led to an impressive 85% graduation rate among participants, flipping the script on dropout statistics that often overshadow students from challenging backgrounds. Step into the world of business integration as we discuss how the Foundation for Choice provides critical exposure to professional environments, forming partnerships with businesses to sustain its impactful work. The stories of Law, a refugee from Burma who triumphed over adversity to earn a full scholarship and pursue a medical career, and Stephen, who leveraged the program to build a successful life in banking, serve as testaments to the foundation's success. As Jessica underscores the vital role of donations in maintaining their work, we invite you to support this life-changing mission by visiting their website and engaging with their social media platforms. Don't forget to leave a review for the Legacy Podcast to help us reach more listeners eager to hear such inspiring stories. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome to the Business Legacy Podcast 00:00:10 - Introduction of Jessica Bartnick and the Foundation for Choice 00:01:20 - The Meaning Behind "CHOICE" and the Program's Inspiration 00:02:45 - Navigating the College Application Process and Program Structure 00:04:30 - Success Rate and Impact on Graduation Statistics 00:06:15 - Identifying and Supporting Students in the Middle Range 00:09:58 - Empowering Youth Through Business Integration 00:10:30 - Strategic Partnerships with Businesses and Program Funding 00:11:45 - Success Story: Law's Journey from Refugee to Medical School 00:13:00 - Success Story: Stephen's Path to a Banking Career 00:14:00 - The Role of Donations and How to Support the Foundation 00:15:00 - Closing Remarks and Call to Action for Listeners 00:15:30 - Encouragement to Leave a Review and Final Thoughts 00:16:00 - Where to Find More Information About the Podcast and Foundation Episode Resources: Connect with Jessica here: https://foundationforchoice.org/ Legacy Podcast: For more information about the Legacy Podcast and its co-hosts, visit businesslegacypodcast.com. Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, leave a review and rating on your preferred podcast platform. For more information: Visit businesslegacypodcast.com to access the shownotes and additional resources on the episode.