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Welcome to the
JLS Foundation!
Established in 2005, the JLS Foundation was founded with a mission close to my family’s heart: to provide mentoring, networking, and college scholarships to students hailing from my hometown, Hoosick Falls, NY. Over the years, our commitment to empowering young minds has evolved.
Over the years, we shifted our focus to championing First-Generation students with significant financial need. Today, we proudly extend our support to students across several northeastern states, including New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Pioneering Privately Funded Poverty Solutions
We believe in the power of privately funded poverty solutions. While federal and state programs play a vital role, there's a unique impact in grassroots initiatives. We've witnessed that supporting individuals directly, especially those striving to break the cycle of generational poverty, can lead to transformative change.
College remains one of the most effective avenues for enhancing economic and social mobility. By offering tangible support, we help First-Generation students navigate the daunting path to higher education and, in turn, secure their place in thriving careers. Our dedication to this cause ensures that our impact reverberates through generations.
Why First-Generation Students?
The pursuit of higher education can be disheartening, particularly when no one in your family has walked that path before you. Research underscores the enduring value of assisting First-Generation students in reaching their college and career aspirations.
By doing so, we initiate a ripple effect of upward mobility that extends beyond the individual, shaping the future of families and communities. Our commitment to First Generation students is an investment in lasting change.
Our Targeted Support
Our commitment to First-Generation students is reflected in our multifaceted support system. We provide rising high school seniors with a transformative pre-college program, allowing them to experience life on a college campus and engage in college-level coursework for two weeks. This experience not only builds confidence but also forges meaningful connections beyond their existing social circles. Additionally, participants earn three college credits, giving them a valuable head start on their educational journey.
Recognizing the challenges that First-Generation students often face, especially during their freshman year, we ensure no-cost tutoring is provided to facilitate their continued success. Furthermore, we are actively building a coalition of corporate partners dedicated to opening doors for internships and full-time jobs, so our First-Generation students can transition into thriving careers.
Honoring Our Roots
The JLS Foundation bears the name of my father, John Liporace, Sr. Despite not having the opportunity to attend college himself, he passionately wished for all five of his children to pursue higher education. Following his untimely passing at the age of 39, our mother, Florence, who also did not attend college, undertook the remarkable feat of shepherding all five of us through college on her own. The JLS Foundation is a living tribute to their unwavering spirit, determination, and the enduring belief in the transformative power of education.
Thank you for joining us on this journey of empowerment, growth, and lasting change. Together, we strive to make a meaningful impact and empower the dreams of First-Generation students across our region.
Founder