Featured Program: Maurice Lucas Foundation

Empowering Portland Youth

The Heatherington Foundation’s mission to create healthy communities finds a powerful expression in its long-standing partnership with the Maurice Lucas Foundation (MLF). What began as a grassroots sports-based mentorship initiative has evolved into a 13-year, wraparound education program that follows students from middle school through post-college. With the Heatherington Foundation’s support, MLF has expanded its most ambitious program yet—serving Parkrose Middle School students and their families with year-round, in-school, and after-school programming that addresses academic, social, and emotional needs.

Foundation Overview

Founded in honor of NBA champion Maurice Lucas, the Maurice Lucas Foundation is committed to “teaching life lessons through education and sport.” The organization empowers Portland youth by providing long-term, personalized support through academic tutoring, social-emotional guidance, physical activity, college and career preparation, and family engagement. The majority of students served are from BIPOC communities, and many face systemic barriers to success.

“Our mission is teaching life lessons through education and sport. We support students for 13 years—from sixth grade through college and beyond.”
—David Lucas, Founder & Executive Director

Program Structure: The 13-Year Wraparound Model

At the heart of MLF’s approach is a unique, multi-phase educational model:

Middle School Program (3 years):

Students begin with in-school elective classes focused on character development, STEAM, and the foundation’s core values (e.g., respect, leadership, personal responsibility). After-school programming includes academic tutoring, physical activities, field trips, and hot meals. Each student is guaranteed a $5,000 scholarship.

High School Program:

A dedicated high school coordinator works with students weekly, prioritizing those facing academic or personal challenges. Support includes tutoring, college readiness guidance, and career exploration.

Post-Secondary and College Persistence:

Students receive continued mentoring and financial aid navigation. A persistence counselor—often the same mentor from middle school—helps them through challenges like illness, family crises, or academic transitions.

“We service these kids for 13 years of their life… We’re with them for more than half their lives.”
—David Lucas

The program is intentionally small and deep. Rather than serve thousands briefly, MLF chooses to serve a few hundred students intensively and personally.

Heatherington Foundation’s Role

Heatherington Foundation’s funding was pivotal in establishing and sustaining MLF’s largest program at Parkrose Middle School. Heatherington’s initial three-year grant of $300,000 enabled the launch of a full wraparound program. As the need and impact grew, the Foundation renewed and expanded its support—offering an additional grant and bringing the total to over $500,000.

“Without the Heatherington Foundation, we wouldn’t be in the Parkrose program. It’s our largest program now.”
—David Lucas

Heatherington’s investment covers:

• In-school staffing and elective programming
• After-school tutoring and physical activity
• Meals and transportation (including a 14-passenger van purchased with Heatherington funds)
• Educational field trips and college tours
• Yearly scholarships

This consistent support has allowed MLF to focus on impact rather than annual fundraising, creating long-term stability for students and their families.

Outcomes

• 100% high school graduation rate for program participants
• Average GPA between 3.2 and 3.4
• 100% college acceptance rate
• Ongoing partnerships with the Jordan brand for full-ride gap college scholarships
• Emotional and financial support through family crises, including medical emergencies and housing insecurity

The program adapts in real time to student and family needs. During COVID, for example, MLF opened a Wi-Fi-enabled academic hub at an Elks Lodge to support students without internet access.

Lessons for Other Organizations

Start Small, Grow Strategically
MLF began as a 10-week, volunteer-run sports program. It grew to a 13-year pipeline by listening to student needs and building school partnerships.

Build Relationships with Schools
MLF’s model works because of close collaboration with teachers and principals, access to student grades, and designated in-school classrooms.

Wrap Services Around the Whole Family
Programs extend beyond academics to address food insecurity, housing, emotional wellness, and family stability.

Secure Long-Term Funding Partners
Sustained, multi-year investment has enabled MLF to plan, hire, and expand with confidence.

Looking Ahead

MLF is preparing to expand to new communities—starting with other cities connected to Maurice Lucas’s legacy, such as Milwaukee, Phoenix, and Pittsburgh. But growth will only happen where there is deep support from local schools and long-term funding partners.

The Maurice Lucas Foundation exemplifies the Heatherington Foundation’s commitment to whole-person care, educational equity, and community-rooted solutions. By helping MLF create a sustainable, transformative program at Parkrose Middle School, Heatherington has catalyzed a model that can—and should—be replicated across Oregon and beyond.

“Every student matters. Whether it’s one kid or 100, it starts by showing up and caring.”
—David Lucas