The document profiles Jalen Singleton, a current Mars Hill University student who double majors in exercise wellness and community nonprofit leadership. As a high school student, Singleton participated in the Robert and Janice McNair Educational Foundation's Jump Start program, which helps rising ninth graders transition to high school. Singleton enjoyed his experience in Jump Start and later volunteered with the program as a Bonner Scholar in college. The Jump Start program provides enrichment classes and college visits to help prepare students for high school. Singleton credits the program for his academic success and for introducing him to the possibility of attending college. He still maintains relationships with other Jump Start participants and appreciates the ongoing support from the McNair Educational Foundation.

1. The Robert andJanice McNair Educational Foundation
331 E. HighRoad
Bostic,NC 28018
PROFILE
April 22, 2021 CONTACT: AllisonManning,student
919-539-0725, amann521@live.unc.edu
JALEN SINGLETON: GETTING A JUMP START
Jalen Singleton, 20, is no stranger to
success. The three-sport athlete was
captain of his high school men’s cross-
country running team, basketball team and
tennis team. He currently attends Mars Hill
University where he double majors in
exercise wellness and community nonprofit
leadership. When Singleton became a
Bonner Scholar upon entering college in
2018, he knew exactly where he would
complete his community service hours.
He volunteered with The Robert and Janice McNair Educational Foundation’s Jump Start
program in which he also participated when he was a Rutherford County student. Combining
his passion for physical education and nonprofit leadership, Singleton helped teach Jump Start’s
P.E. classes in 2019.
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2. JALEN SINGLETON/Page 2
The Robert and Janice McNair Educational Foundation’s mission is to ensure that
Rutherford County, North Carolina students are prepared for a post-secondary education, both
academically and financially.
Jump Start helps make the transition from middle school to high school smoother by
providing enrichment classes and events to rising high school freshmen the summer before
they enter high school. It is a three-week program in which students attend enrichment classes
in math, science, social studies and English, as well as physical education classes. They also
participate in a community-service project that benefits an organization in Rutherford County.
Singleton’s mother learned of the program in the spring before her son entered ninth
grade. Jalen and his mother applied online, and he began the program that June.
During their time with Jump Start, students get acclimated to their new high school and
soon-to-be classmates. They also visit North Carolina colleges, which Singleton cited as his
favorite part of the experience.
“That was my first time ever being on a college campus,” Singleton stated, “So, I thought
it was really cool and interesting just looking at the possibility of what I can do when I get old
enough … It was a very big motivator.”
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3. JALEN SINGLETON/Page 3
During his first year at R-S Central High School, Singleton made straight A’s and became
an unofficial tour guide for his friends. He also kept in contact with students from the other
schools in the area.
“To this day, I’m still cool with some of those people that I met in Jump Start,” Singleton
said.
Singleton also benefitted from meeting with a McNair Educational Foundation mentor
once a month throughout high school. His dream is to start his own nonprofit organization to
provide African American students with mentors to help them prepare for college.
Singleton stressed the importance of preparing for college by doing well early.
“Stay motivated early. Join different clubs and organizations. Also play some sports. Do
something. Get involved with your school. Become a good citizen for your school.”
Success has followed Singleton throughout his
journey, but he had some help along the way.
“The fact thattheyare still continuingtobe involved
inour livesreallymeansalot,”Singletonsaidof the people
at McNair Educational Foundation.“Ireallyappreciate
McNair, howtheyare still continuingtohelp,andIknow if I
have any questionsIcanalwaysask one of them.”
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