Where it started

FIRST CHANCE U FOUNDATION · EST. 2020

CHANCES TODAY.
LEADERS TOMORROW.

Creating Opportunities Through Athletics, Education, and Community

OUR MISSION

Founded in 2020, First Chance U creates an impact by introducing personal and professional growth opportunities through athletics, community building, and education.

OUR VISION

CHANCES TODAY.
LEADERS
TOMORROW.

WHY WE EXIST

Our Story

Our Story

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.

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, and Nevada.

WHY WE SERVE

Our Story

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, and mentorship.

WHERE WE WORK

Rooted in our communities

EVERYTHING WE DO

Rooted in our communities

ATHLETICS

HOW WE CREATE IMPACT

A three-day event where a small group of high school defensive backs train on the field and in the classroom, with life skills lessons built in.

YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMPS

The Jamar Taylor Youth Camp ran from 2014 to 2017 and offered free football instruction for kids ages 5 to 12.

COACHING CLINIC

2022 was our first annual National Coaching Clinic, where FCU invited coaches from around the country to learn from top coaches at all levels.

EDUCATION

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS

Every year, FCU gives scholarships to deserving students who enter the scholarship giveaway by submitting written essays, videos, or drawings.

TEACHER GRANTS

Every year, FCU donates $500 to a deserving teacher selected by the community, to help them better serve their students and classroom.

LIFE SKILLS ACADEMY

During the pandemic in 2020, FCU started a virtual Life Skills Academy to help prepare students for life after high school. Students took part in mock interviews, built resumes, and heard from keynote speakers.

COMMUNITY

FAMILY HOLIDAY DRIVES

Every year, FCU provides families with $1,000+ in donations to cover Thanksgiving meals, Christmas wishlists, Christmas meals, and $100 care packages each quarter.
see photos

TURKEY DRIVES

Every year, FCU board members partner with nonprofits in our home communities to help donate turkeys and Thanksgiving dinners to families in need.
see photos

HOLIDAY DRIVES

Each holiday season, we partner with other nonprofits to help people in need through toy drives, clothing drives, and winter coat drives.
see photos

TOY DRIVES, MIAMI

In 2024, we launched our first Miami Toy Drive, and it has quickly become one of our favorite ways to give back. In partnership with Canes Barber and The Player's Lounge Barber Shop, we bring joy and gifts to kids across Miami.
see photos

FEEDING THE HOMELESS

Every year, FCU board members come together for a retreat to plan the year ahead. Afterward, we feed the homeless in downtown San Diego to give back to the community Jamar Taylor is from.
see photos

WNBA ALL-STAR EVENT

In 2024, FCU invited the Chandler High School girls basketball team to dinner, where they met Lexie Brown of the LA Sparks. FCU then sponsored the team to attend the WNBA All-Star Event for the skills competition, 3v3 games, three-point shootout, and more.
see photos

Founded together

JAMAR TAYLOR & THERREN WILBURN

A volunteer-driven foundation built by two co-founders and a board that gives back year-round.

MEET THE BOARD

EVERY STUDENT DESERVES A
FIRST CHANCE

DONATE NOW

Where it started

CHANCES TODAY. LEADERS TOMORROW.

Creating Opportunities Through Athletics, Education, and Community

CHANCES TODAY. LEADERS TOMORROW.

WHY WE EXIST

Our Story

Our Story

WHY WE STARTED

WHY WE SERVE

Our Story

HOW WE CREATE IMPACT

WHERE WE WORK

Rooted in our communities

EVERYTHING WE DO

Rooted in our communities

ATHLETICS

HOW WE CREATE IMPACT

A three-day event where a small group of high school defensive backs train on the field and in the classroom, with life skills lessons built in.

YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMPS

The Jamar Taylor Youth Camp ran from 2014 to 2017 and offered free football instruction for kids ages 5 to 12.

COACHING CLINIC

2022 was our first annual National Coaching Clinic, where FCU invited coaches from around the country to learn from top coaches at all levels.

EDUCATION

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS

Every year, FCU gives scholarships to deserving students who enter the scholarship giveaway by submitting written essays, videos, or drawings.

TEACHER GRANTS

Every year, FCU donates $500 to a deserving teacher selected by the community, to help them better serve their students and classroom.

LIFE SKILLS ACADEMY

During the pandemic in 2020, FCU started a virtual Life Skills Academy to help prepare students for life after high school. Students took part in mock interviews, built resumes, and heard from keynote speakers.

COMMUNITY

FAMILY HOLIDAY DRIVES

Every year, FCU provides families with $1,000+ in donations to cover Thanksgiving meals, Christmas wishlists, Christmas meals, and $100 care packages each quarter. see photos

TURKEY DRIVES

Every year, FCU board members partner with nonprofits in our home communities to help donate turkeys and Thanksgiving dinners to families in need. see photos

HOLIDAY DRIVES

Each holiday season, we partner with other nonprofits to help people in need through toy drives, clothing drives, and winter coat drives. see photos

TOY DRIVES, MIAMI

In 2024, we launched our first Miami Toy Drive, and it has quickly become one of our favorite ways to give back. In partnership with Canes Barber and The Player's Lounge Barber Shop, we bring joy and gifts to kids across Miami. see photos

FEEDING THE HOMELESS

Every year, FCU board members come together for a retreat to plan the year ahead. Afterward, we feed the homeless in downtown San Diego to give back to the community Jamar Taylor is from. see photos

WNBA ALL-STAR EVENT

In 2024, FCU invited the Chandler High School girls basketball team to dinner, where they met Lexie Brown of the LA Sparks. FCU then sponsored the team to attend the WNBA All-Star Event for the skills competition, 3v3 games, three-point shootout, and more. see photos

Founded together

JAMAR TAYLOR & THERREN WILBURN

EVERY STUDENT DESERVES A FIRST CHANCE

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

CHANCES TODAY.
LEADERS TOMORROW.

CHANCES TODAY.
LEADERS
TOMORROW.

Every year, FCU provides families with $1,000+ in donations to cover Thanksgiving meals, Christmas wishlists, Christmas meals, and $100 care packages each quarter.
see photos

Every year, FCU board members partner with nonprofits in our home communities to help donate turkeys and Thanksgiving dinners to families in need.
see photos

Each holiday season, we partner with other nonprofits to help people in need through toy drives, clothing drives, and winter coat drives.
see photos

In 2024, we launched our first Miami Toy Drive, and it has quickly become one of our favorite ways to give back. In partnership with Canes Barber and The Player's Lounge Barber Shop, we bring joy and gifts to kids across Miami.
see photos

Every year, FCU board members come together for a retreat to plan the year ahead. Afterward, we feed the homeless in downtown San Diego to give back to the community Jamar Taylor is from.
see photos

In 2024, FCU invited the Chandler High School girls basketball team to dinner, where they met Lexie Brown of the LA Sparks. FCU then sponsored the team to attend the WNBA All-Star Event for the skills competition, 3v3 games, three-point shootout, and more.
see photos

EVERY STUDENT DESERVES A
FIRST CHANCE