About the Program
The First ChanceSM Scholarship Program was established by University of Phoenix and actor and education advocate, Tom Arnold in 2006 to promote the life-changing benefits of education, and honor individuals who have shown the desire to improve their lives and the lives of those around them through education. The scholarship program and the hope it represents are in memory of Ryan Francis, a devoted son and talented student-athlete at the University of Southern California. During a special Mother’s Day visit to his hometown of Baton Rouge last spring, nineteen-year-old Ryan was killed in a random act of violence.
Tom Arnold, who was filming a movie in Baton Rouge when the tragedy occurred, was moved by the Francis family’s story. He arranged a meeting with Ryan’s mother, Paulette, to offer his condolences. After talking with Paulette and hearing of the close bond between her and her son and the sacrifices she had made to improve her son’s future through education, Tom was inspired to help create a scholarship in Ryan’s memory. Tom, who has a personal connection to University of Phoenix, approached the school with his idea, and together, they developed the First Chance Scholarship Program.
The annual program will empower 100 individuals to complete bachelor’s degrees through full-tuition scholarships to University of Phoenix. Tom Arnold will lead the program supported by an Advisory Board and the University.