About Us
Our Mission
At Foundation for CHOICE, (Consider How One Individual Changes Everything) we are dedicated to empowering underserved students by providing the mentorship, college readiness, and career development opportunities they need to break the cycle of poverty. Our programs give students from low-income backgrounds the tools to succeed academically, pursue higher education, and thrive in their careers, no matter their starting point.
Our Vision
We envision a world where every student, regardless of their financial background, has the opportunity to access higher education, build professional skills, and achieve career success. Our goal is to level the playing field, creating a future where low-income students can overcome obstacles, build lasting careers, and contribute to their communities.heir starting point.
Our Values
Access to Opportunity
We believe that every student, no matter their background, should have access to the opportunities that will help them achieve their dreams.
Community Empowerment
By fostering strong mentor relationships and developing essential skills, we empower students to be leaders in their communities.
Education as a Path to Change
Education is the most powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty, and we provide students with the resources and guidance they need to succeed in school and beyond.
Collaboration and Partnership
We collaborate with educational institutions, corporations, and community organizations to maximize impact and create sustainable change.
Diversity and Inclusion
We strive to create a diverse and inclusive environment where every student and mentor is valued, supported, and encouraged.
Our Values
Access to Opportunity
We believe that every student, no matter their background, should have access to the opportunities that will help them achieve their dreams.
Community Empowerment
By fostering strong mentor relationships and developing essential skills, we empower students to be leaders in their communities.
Education as a Path to Change
Education is the most powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty, and we provide students with the resources and guidance they need to succeed in school and beyond.
Collaboration and Partnership
We collaborate with educational institutions, corporations, and community organizations to maximize impact and create sustainable change.
Diversity and Inclusion
We strive to create a diverse and inclusive environment where every student and mentor is valued, supported, and encouraged.
Our Story
Founded by Jessica & 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 Bartnick saw firsthand the obstacles that low-income students face when pursuing higher education and building a successful career.
Recognizing the gap in college readiness programs and career development resources, Jessica Bartnick created Foundation for CHOICE to provide students with the support they need to navigate high school, college applications, financial aid processes, and workforce development. Through strong partnerships with organizations like Toyota, we offer hands-on experience, mentorship, and real-world career opportunities to help students succeed.
What We Do
We provide personalized mentorship, college readiness programs, and career-building opportunities to students in need. Our programs include:
College Readiness
Helping students navigate the college application process, secure scholarships, and prepare for life on campus.
Career Development
Offering career-specific workshops, job shadowing, internships, and skill-building sessions with corporate partners.
Mentorship
Providing one-on-one guidance, encouragement, and emotional support to help students overcome challenges and stay on track.
Our Impact
Since our inception, we’ve empowered thousands of students to pursue higher education and career success. Through our programs, we’ve achieved:
100%+ college enrollment
among our students
$20+ million in scholarships
awarded to our students
Partnerships with top corporations
like Toyota, Intuit, Allied World, and so many others, to provide students with internships, job shadowing, and job placement opportunities
Join Us
At Foundation for CHOICE, we are always looking for passionate individuals and organizations to help us make a difference. Whether you’re interested in becoming a mentor, partnering with us, or donating to support our mission, there are many ways to get involved and help create opportunities for the next generation of leaders.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
Our Staff
We believe that education changes everything. By providing students with the mentorship, resources, and opportunities they need, we’re not just changing individual lives—we’re transforming communities and breaking the cycle of poverty.
Jessica Bartnick
Co-Founder & CEO
Colleen Mier
Executive Director
Victor Reyes
Development Manager
Carly Campbell
Program Coordinator
Evelyn Brooks
Corporate Facilitator
Dipali Mathew
Collegiate Advisor
Jennifer Pilgrim
Social Media Coordinator
Julia Blackwood
Americorps Intern
Andrea Gavin
Americorps Intern
Andrea Gavin
Americorps Intern