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Chattanooga, Tennessee — Maurquez Thompson, a rising senior at Stanford University and co-valedictorian of Brainerd High School’s Class of 2023, has announced a yearlong college access initiative designed to serve 40 to 50 students from Brainerd High School and The Howard School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The program will provide intensive and customized college preparation.
Thompson was recently selected as one of twelve recipients nationwide of the prestigious Donald A. Strauss Scholarship, which awards $15,000 and requires that recipients commit at least 50 percent of the award to a community service project. Because his tuition is already fully covered through other scholarships, Thompson has chosen to dedicate the entire award to Chattanooga, his hometown.
Thompson’s path to Stanford was made possible by extraordinary support, including acceptance to more than 40 colleges and over $2 million in scholarship offers. His accolades include the Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship, the Gates Scholarship, the Alexander Hamilton Scholarship, and numerous local and national awards.
“Brainerd High School was the only school in our district with a walk-through metal detector. For a decade, it ranked among the lowest-performing schools in Tennessee, at risk of state takeover. My journey from Brainerd to Stanford was not inevitable. It was the result of extraordinary support that most of my peers never received. Many of my classmates were more intelligent than I was. They simply lacked the resources, mentorship, and belief system necessary to navigate the college application process. This initiative is for them, and for every student who comes after them.”
– Maurquez Thompson
The initiative comes at a critical moment for Chattanooga students. Despite Hamilton County Schools operating a one-to-one technology program that places devices in the hands of every student, more than one third of students lack high-speed internet at home. This digital divide reflects deeper systemic barriers that continue to affect Title I schools like Brainerd and Howard, limiting students’ access to resources that are readily available to their peers in more resourced communities.
The program will follow a strategic 12-month timeline aligned with the college application cycle. All participants and their families will develop a comprehensive understanding of the admissions process and available financial resources, regardless of whether they ultimately pursue higher education. Pre and post-assessments will measure knowledge gains and overall program effectiveness, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement throughout the initiative.
Thompson has assembled a team of experienced partners to bring the initiative to life. Ms. Janice Neal, Assistant Director of College and Career Success at Public Education Forward, brings more than 30 years of expertise in nonprofit work and college access programming. Mrs. Rebecca Suttles, College and CareerAdvisor at The Howard School and former Director of Scholarships for a local foundation, has expertise in school-based coordination, understanding of scholarships, and will help lead student recruitment.
“College access is about much more than completing applications. It is about helping students recognize their own potential and equipping them with the tools to make informed decisions about their futures. Maurquez’s commitment to reinvesting in Chattanooga demonstrates the power of young people returning to create opportunities for the next generation,” said Janice Neal.
The initiative is currently seeking sponsorships to support programming costs, including meals for students and long-term sustainability. Additional information regarding the application process and eligibility requirements will be shared directly with Brainerd and Howard students in the coming months.
MEDIA CONTACT: Maurquez Thompson, Quez04@stanford.edu For sponsorship inquiries, partnership opportunities, or media interviews, please contact Maurquez Thompson directly.
