Stockton, California is known as the foreclosure capital of the world and was once christened, " Lowest in Literacy, Highest in Crime." Despite this, I was able to gain acceptance of Stanford University. Because I was able to make I know there are many- low income, 1st generation, and/or minority students who have the grades and the drive, but don't have the resources or the know how to win scholarships and gain acceptance at top universities. Especially in my hometown of Stockton, I know there are many students who are deserving but have to grapple with a community- endemic apathy towards education , poor schools, and overworked counselors. Nation-wide there is a problem, an " achievement trap" as the Jack Cooke Foundation calls it. The special difficulties low-income, 1st generation, and/or minority students face in the college process demands attention if America is to be a world leader in the 21st century.

The Phoenix Project was conceived and structured in April 2008 as a non-profit company in order to equip disadvantaged students for success in the college admissions and scholarship process. The idea came as the founder, Michael Tubbs, realized the success that he was able to garner during the college and scholarship process was because of the information he had gathered and the mentors he made. To that end, the Phoenix Project seeks to identify other “phoenixes”-students who have risen above the abyss of disadvantage and are now at the point where they are potentially excellent candidates for college admission. Thus, the overarching goal of the Phoenix Project is to make college education equitable across racial and socio-economic lines: by providing college application summits to communities and school districts, a college admissions blog, an “ All About the Benjamins” scholarship guide, personal statement editing and yearlong mentorship with participants.

Getting non-profit status, creating a website, researching communities which this program might help, talking to local school districts. The first program is set to launch in March-April so as of now we are getting our presentation together, securing funding, and preparing for our first summit.

Donating SAT/ACT prep materials, telling schools and communities about us and allowing us to come.