About us

Our Mission

The mission of Choices Leadership Upward Bound is to build lifelong learning skills for college and beyond by generating in program participants the skills and motivation necessary to complete a program of secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

Our History

Choices Leadership Incorporated has been committed since 1999, to helping America's future generation of leaders achieve success by giving them the necessary tools to meet challenging situations at home, school and the community-at-large. Our organization builds lifelong learning skills for college and beyond for youth through academic enrichment programs, leadership development and cultural awareness.

Choices Leadership Incorporated offers programs that give Dallas area youth the opportunity to improve the quality of their lives. In December 2007, the United States Department of Education awarded TRIO Upward Bound grants to Choices Leadership Incorporated to serve students at North Dallas High School and Thomas Jefferson High School in the Dallas Independent School District. Traditionally, the majority of Upward Bound programs throughout the United States have been facilitated by a college or university.

Choices Leadership Incorporated has the unique distinction of being one of the few Upward Bound programs in Texas and the United States facilitated by a non-profit community organization. As a community organization, Choices Leadership Incorporated has built strong partnerships with Brookhaven College, University of Texas at Dallas and Dallas Christian College for its summer component on their campuses.

Choices Leadership Incorporated has also connected with cultural and civic organizations and other colleges and universities that support our goal of creating an educational community of students with the motivation and skills necessary to acquire higher education.

What is Upward Bound?

Upward Bound is a free college preparatory program for high school students funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete high school and enroll in and graduate from institutions of post-secondary education.

Eligibility Criteria

U.S. citizen
Freshman or sophomore student
Meets low-income guidelines established by the federal government
Potential first generation college graduate (neither parent completed a 4-year college degree)\
Demonstrates a need for academic support with a grade point average not less than 2.0
Must attend Thomas Jefferson High School

Program Services

After-school individual and group tutorials in college preparatory courses that include: Math, Science, Foreign Language, Composition, Literature, Study Skills
Standardized test preparation: STAARS, PSAT, SAT/ACT
Six-week summer session on the campus of University of Texas at Dallas - UTD.
Academic, personal and career counseling
Assistance with college admission and financial aid applications
College & university tours
Cultural activities and field trips
Leadership training workshops
Social skills development
Monthly stipends for attendance

Funded to Serve Ratio

100%

Eligibility Criteria

93.85%

Academic Performance - GPA

87.69%

Tests Proficient Rate

79%

Retention and Graduation

98.46%

Rigorous Program of Study

76%

Post-Secondary Enrollment

84%

Post Secondary Completion

66.67%

We served every student we were funded to serve.

% of low-income & first-generation college students.

% of students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

% of seniors with proficiency in reading and math.

% of students advancing to the next grade or graduating.

% of students who completed challenging coursework.

% of students enrolled in college the fall after graduation.

% of students graduating from college within 6 years.

Leadership & Service

We are dedicated to preparing ourselves for moral and ethical lives of leadership and service. We use our talents to make positive contributions to our community and the world.

Scholarship

We are critical thinkers and lifelong learners who aspire to achieve academic excellence.

Character

We are honest and ethical in our words and actions. We have self-respect and a Compassionate acceptance of human diversity.

Empower young minds

Meet our team

Dedicated professionals driving our success

Andrea Lawson, M.S

Director

Hi, I’m Mrs. Lawson! With over 6 years of experience child and family development, my #1 mission is to spark curiosity, foster a love for learning, and build a community where every student feels valued and inspired.

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Child Development and Family Studies and a Master's Degree in Psychology. I am currently pursuing my Doctoral degree in Business and Administration.