Social Impact

At 1st Choice, LLC, we believe in the importance of community citizenship, a value that is instilled by our CEO, Michelle A. Bell Smith, PHR.

Ms. Bell’s dedication to the community has led her to found Project H.O.P.E., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to Help Other People Eat. For over 20 years, Project H.O.P.E. has fed thousands of families in the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia.

To many of us, the idea of being without food is unimaginable. We take for granted the luxury of opening our refrigerators and pantries for fresh and canned goods. Unfortunately, many families do not have this luxury, and the economic downturn has further affected the ability of local governments to support them.

With your help, Project H.O.P.E. can make a difference in the lives of individuals and families in need. We are asking for donations of perishable and non-perishable goods to help feed the hungry and provide hope to those who do not know where their next meal will come from.

Join 1st Choice in our mission to make a difference in our community by contributing to Project H.O.P.E. and helping those in need.

Education is the key to success in life, but unfortunately, not all students have equal access to higher education. Many talented and deserving students are unable to pursue their academic dreams due to financial constraints. This is where scholarships play a critical role in making higher education more accessible and attainable for deserving students.

The Founders Scholarship, created by the 1st Choice Foundation, is one such scholarship that has been empowering high school seniors to pursue higher education and create positive change in their communities for over 20 years.

The Founders Scholarship is the brainchild of 1st Choice CEO and founder of the 1st Choice Foundation, Michelle Bell Smith. She believes that education is the future for success, and the scholarship is a testament to her commitment to providing access to quality education for all students, regardless of their financial circumstances. The scholarship is designed to help high school seniors with a GPA of 2.5 or greater and active in community service pursue their academic dreams and create positive change in their communities.

Through the Founders Scholarship, the 1st Choice Foundation aims to empower students who have demonstrated a strong academic track record and a passion for community service. Michelle Bell Smith believes that these qualities are critical to creating the next generation of leaders who will drive positive change in our society. The scholarship is not just a financial award, but also a recognition of the students’ potential to make a difference in the world.

Since its inception, the 1st Choice Foundation has awarded over 25 scholarships to deserving students who have demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to community service. The Founders Scholarship continues this legacy of support, enabling students to pursue higher education and make a positive impact in their communities. The scholarship covers a portion of the students’ tuition fees and is renewable for up to four years, provided the student maintains the academic and community service requirements.

By prioritizing community involvement, the Founders Scholarship seeks to encourage students to become leaders in their communities and make a difference in the world. The scholarship not only supports individual students but also contributes to the larger goal of promoting higher education and civic engagement. Through the scholarship, the 1st Choice Foundation seeks to create the next generation of leaders who will drive positive change in our society.

As the 1st Choice Foundation looks to the future, it remains committed to its mission of empowering high school seniors to pursue higher education and create positive change in their communities. The Founders Scholarship is a testament to this commitment, and the foundation looks forward to supporting many more deserving students in the years to come.