Maurquez Thompson, an incoming senior at Stanford University, is assembling a college access initiative to assist students from Brainerd High School and The Howard School in Chattanooga.¶
The 21-year-old Chattanooga native is a 2023 graduate and co-valedictorian of Hamilton Brainerd High School and has roots in the Howard school, where his father attended.¶
As the youngest of 10 children, Thompson said his parents taught him the importance of education and the importance of being “relentless in all our pursuits.”¶
“My parents taught us that no matter where we're from, or what we come from — there's always something bigger,” Maurquez said.¶
During his time at Brainerd, Thompson said that whenever he struggled with a subject, his teachers were there for him every step of the way. From 10th grade geometry to chemistry problem sets, he said his teachers would do over-the-weekend Zoom tutoring or after-school hours to support his learning.¶
“This was an example of educators who truly believed in us. They were not getting paid extra to do these,” Thompson said. “They were just truly committed to helping us learn.”¶
To give back to the community that believed in him, Thompson has decided to use his full Donald A. Strauss Scholarship, over $15,000, towards the two Hamilton County schools and their students.¶
“It starts with the roots. Where I was raised, a community that built me,” Thompson said.¶
Program Goal
The initiative is designed for around 40 to 50 Brainerd and Howard students.¶
One core element of Thompson's mission is to prioritize applying for scholarships when eligible. Whether the awarded amount is small or large, the program urges students to apply.¶
“I think one thing I hope that this program teaches people is the importance of applying and also knowing that rejection is part of life,” Thompson said.¶
Following a 12-month timeline, the program will mirror the college application cycle. Students and their families will also be involved and work to develop a customized admissions process.¶
Additionally, the program includes pre- and post-assessments to measure student progress and ensure its effectiveness. Other financial resources will also be available to students and their families.¶
Thompson said that throughout the process, he wants students to feel challenged but also supported as they grow into spaces beyond what is just “known” and “safe” to them.¶
“We want our students, our scholars, to truly think big picture, to be committed to learning and growing,” Thompson said.¶
Kickoff Scheduled
Thompson said the initiative is currently seeking sponsorships to cover costs and provide other student resources to sustain this program after its initial launch.¶
“Programs like this help ensure students have access to the relationships, information, and guidance that can turn their goals into actionable plans for the futures they envision,” said the Director of Community Impact & Partnership for Hamilton County Schools, Caitlyne Steward.¶
Plans for the initiative are set to take place in July, meaning applications will close right before the first week of September for Brainerd and Howard students.¶
“We are honored to support [Maurquez’s] vision and excited for the students who will learn from his experiences,” Steward said.¶
