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Creating Opportunities Through Athletics, Education, and Community
Mission
Founded in 2020, First Chance U creates an impact by introducing personal and professional growth opportunities through athletics, community building and education.
Vision
★ CHANCES TODAY, LEADERS TOMORROW ★
OUR IMPACT.
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800+ kids served through FCU programs
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$7,000 awarded in academic scholarships
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$30,000+ invested directly back into communities
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40+ students taught financial literacy skills
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40+ community events hosted
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2,500+ people reached across social media
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800+ donors supporting FCU’s mission
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Meet our winners!
Every Year FCU gives away scholarships to deserving students who entered the scholarship giveaway by submitting written essays, videos, or drawings.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL DRIVES
Teacher Supplies
Every year FCU donates $500 to deserving teachers selected by the community. We present $500 to each teacher in hopes they can better their classrooms to benefit their students and their learning environment.
FAMILY HOLIDAY DRIVES
Meet our families!
Every year First Chance U. Foundation provides Families with $1,000+ worth of donations to cover Thanksgiving meals, Christmas wishlists, Christmas meals, and $100 care packages each quarter.
Therren
FEEDING THE HOMELESS
San Diego, CA
Every year, the board members of FCU come together during a retreat to discuss the upcoming year's events. After the retreat concludes, we feed the homeless in downtown San Diego to give back to the community Jamar Taylor is from.
TOY DRIVES
Miami, FL
In 2024, we launched our first Miami Toy Drive — and it’s quickly become one of our favorite ways to give back during the holidays. In partnership with Canes Barber and The Player’s Lounge Barber Shop, we’ve been able to bring joy and gifts to kids across Miami in a big way.
LIFE SKILLS ACADEMY
Resume building and Interview Prep
During the pandemic in 2020, FCU started a virtual Life Skills Academy to help prepare students for life after high school. During this academy, students participated in mock interviews, created resumes, and listened to keynote speakers.
Chandler Girls Basketball Team, Lexie Brown and FCU
WNBA ALL-STAR EVENT
Chandler Girls Basketball team
In 2024, FCU invited the CHS Girls Basketball team to a team dinner at Lo-Lo's Chicken and waffles where they were met by Lexie Brown of the LA Sparks. FCU Sponsored the team to attend the WNBA All-Star Event, where the girls enjoyed the skills competition, 3v3 games, three-point shootout, and more.
TURKEY DRIVES
Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive
Every year, FCU board members partner with nonprofits in our residing communities to help donate turkeys and thanksgiving dinners to families in need.
CHRISTMAS DRIVES
Toy Drives, Clothing & Winter Coat Drives
We make an effort every holiday season to partner with other nonprofits to help people in need during the holiday season. We do this in various ways, such as toy drives, clothing drives, and winter coat drives for the colder months.
COACHING CLINIC
For Coaches by Coaches
2022 was our first annual National Coaching Clinic, where FCU invited coaches from around the country to come and learn from the top coaches in the country at all levels.
YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMPS
Free Camp for Ages 5-12
FCU loves to give back to the community every year by creating opportunities for youth and high school football players to meet him and come together in impactful ways. The Jamar Taylor Youth Camp (2014-2017) invited children ages 5-12 to a free football camp where they learn football skills and drills.
DB ACADEMY
Academy for High School Defensive Backs
FCU loves to give back to the community every year by creating opportunities for youth and high school football players to meet him and come together in impactful ways. The DB Academy is a 3-day event where a small group of high school defensive backs come together on the field and in the classroom to learn about football and life skills.
ABOUT first chance u
Why We Started
First Chance U was founded in 2020 with a clear vision: chances today, leaders tomorrow. What began as an idea from Jamar Taylor and Therren Wilburn grew into a volunteer-driven foundation focused on creating real opportunities for students and families through athletics, education, and community support.
Jamar’s journey as a student-athlete helped shape FCU’s mission. Growing up in San Diego, graduating from Helix High School, attending Boise State University, and later playing in the NFL gave him firsthand experience with the power of access, mentorship, and preparation beyond the field.
Who We Serve
We serve students, families, and educators in the communities we call home. FCU works with youth and high school athletes, students preparing for life after graduation, teachers in need of classroom support, and families who benefit from year-round community programs.
Our reach continues to grow across Arizona, California, Washington, Nevada, and beyond.
How We Create Impact
First Chance U creates impact through hands-on programs and direct support. From scholarships and teacher grants to holiday drives, youth camps, the DB Academy, and life skills education, our work is designed to meet real needs and create lasting outcomes.
We believe every student deserves a first chance, and we work year-round to make that possible through access, education, mentorship, and community.