In the summer of 2014, Project F.O.C.U.S was created with the main goal of providing local public elementary and middle school students of color around Brooklyn, NY with instruction, mentorship, and guidance in academia, athletics, and both visual and performing arts. Our goal is to right a wrong in our society; the historic wrong that exuberates through the socioeconomic inequality in which our educational system is rooted. We have a unique perspective because a large portion of our founding members are former public school students that later received scholarships to an elite private university. Our experience has educated us on the disparities between the two systems, which we cannot allow to be overlooked. Students who can afford to attend more elite schools, have far more resources, connections, and opportunities to enhance their learning experiences than those who are less financially suited. Of all the things in this world that are exclusive to the elite, that are allocated based on circumstances instead of merit, a good education should not be one of them. Thus, Project F.O.C.U.S changes that narrative!  

Project FOCUS’ mission is to provide mentorship and instruction to cultivate an environment for self-expression and growth that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. Our goal is to provide mentorship and instruction to combat the achievement gap, negative belief of inferiority, and lack of mental and emotional support among disadvantaged middle school students of color. We provide opportunities for our mentees to expand their thinking and outlook on the world with a heightened focus on exposure and new experiences. 

Today, being a member of Georgetown University and the Women’s Basketball Team I recognize I am a statistical anomaly. I am a product of a single parent household, who could have fallen victim to my environment. Through my mother’s hardwork and dedication I was able to escape my circumstances onto a pathway leading to success. My purpose now is to offer students the same care, attention, and opportunities that enabled me to be the woman I am today.