Project H.O.P.E.
At 1st Choice, LLC, we value community citizenship, a principle championed by our CEO, Michelle A. Bell Smith, PHR. Ms. Bell founded Project H.O.P.E., a non-profit dedicated to Helping Other People Eat, which has supported thousands of families in Maryland and D.C. for over 20 years.
Many take for granted the ability to access food, but numerous families struggle, especially during economic downturns. Project H.O.P.E. aims to alleviate this by providing food to those in need.
We invite you to join us in supporting Project H.O.P.E. through donations of perishable and non-perishable goods, making a tangible difference in our community.
Empowering the Next Generation: The Founders Scholarship
Education is essential for success, but financial constraints prevent many talented students from pursuing higher education. Scholarships are crucial in making education accessible to deserving students. The Founders Scholarship, established by the 1st Choice Foundation, has been empowering high school seniors to achieve their academic goals and positively impact their communities for over 20 years.
The Founders Scholarship, created by 1st Choice CEO Michelle Bell Smith, reflects her commitment to providing quality education for all students, regardless of financial background. It targets high school seniors with a GPA of 2.5 or higher who are active in community service, helping them pursue their academic dreams and contribute to their communities.
The scholarship aims to empower students who excel academically and demonstrate a passion for community service, qualities that Michelle Bell Smith believes are essential for future leaders. It is more than a financial award; it recognizes students’ potential to drive positive change in society. The scholarship covers a portion of tuition fees and is renewable for up to four years, contingent on maintaining academic and community service standards.
Since its inception, the 1st Choice Foundation has awarded over 25 scholarships, supporting students’ academic and community service excellence. The Founders Scholarship encourages students to become community leaders and promotes higher education and civic engagement. Looking ahead, the foundation remains dedicated to empowering more students to pursue higher education and create positive change in their communities.
