Driven by the mission to empower academically talented and motivated students from under-resourced communities, The Challenge Foundation was founded in the mid-1990s by Don and Janis McFall, with the goal of educational access. Known for their dedication to education based social service organizations, Don and Janis began to envision one organization that could provide holistic support to under-resourced communities.

 

Recognizing the critical need to equip scholars with the tools and resources to navigate obstacles and chart their own futures, the organization began by providing academic support through summer programs and high school scholarships. In 2001, Challenge expanded its holistic support by offering scholarships to private schools beginning in middle school, ensuring early intervention to help students achieve their full potential.

 

This multi-year program has evolved to the model in use today, in three different cities, Denver, CO, El Paso, TX (2008), and Phoenix, AZ  (2013). All locations provide comprehensive support, including mentoring, advising, and college prep programming.  Additionally, we are committed to providing support through college, and meeting family needs, enabling scholars to overcome systemic inequities and become leaders in their communities.