Thank you for all of the hard work you do to bless young people. . . I have to say this college tour was one of the best tours I’ve had.
2023 Jump Start Recap
Thank you to our students, volunteers and sponsors
for a fantastic 2023 Jump Start College Tour,
presented by the Willie & Vivian Gaddis Foundation.
“Succeeding is inevitable for me. Success is my reality.”
Kanai Robinson, 2023 Student Leader
2023 Jump Start College Tour
In a Nutshell
1000
miles
40
students
7
stops
6
HBCUs
OUR MISSION AT THE WILLIE & VIVIAN GADDIS FOUNDATION
We promote education and entrepreneurship to children and youth in Central Ohio. Through instruction and exposure, our program participants receive resources and encouragement to discover, affirm, and live out their purpose intentionally.
Parent & Student Reflections
I want to thank you so much for providing students like me with many opportunities to find their dream school. I love the way you pour into students. I enjoyed myself last year and this year and was inspired each time. I loved meeting new people, making connections and seeing my possible new home. What you do for students is not overlooked and you are greatly appreciated.
I would love to return as a chaperone!
I would love to return as a chaperone!
Kennedy H.
This tour for my daughter was the absolute best. She goes to a predominantly white school where her culture is not always celebrated. She went on the tour and called me every hour telling me about her future goals to go to a HBCU. She wrote pros and cons list for each school, connected with peers, and was thoroughly satisfied. I recommend this for every black high schooler.
Brandy W.
Thank for giving my daughter the opportunity to participate in the Jump Start Program! She learned a lot and expanded her horizons on the HBCU collegiate level with leaps and bounds! When she returned, she was so excited and shared EVERYTHING see saw, experienced and enjoyed! She also has narrowed down her college search to Howard/Hampton. This is INCREDIBLE!! and I am TOTALLY HAPPY, and I will recommend this program to all parents with children!! You all did a phenomenal job and I appreciate how well you took care of my baby girl
Cathy B.
2023 Jump Start Photos
View more
2023 Experience
Final Words from our Co-Founder,
Alethea E. Gaddis
We set off to create an experience that would empower our students to lean into their brilliance!
We watched them in deep thought about if the campus felt like home. We saw them smile when they learned something about their personal interest. We heard them exchange passionately about their next steps to prepare themselves for college. It was a sight to see.
Thank you, parents, for trusting us with your students. It was an hour to show the world what Ohio has to offer.
We are grateful for volunteers and advisors who share our passion for investing in young people. We extend heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the following for their financial investment in the young people:
Columbus City Council with Council President Shannon Harden and Councilmember Shayla Favor
First Church of God
The HBCU Foundation
John & Pamela Gregory
John Page & Page Tech LTD
Marlan Gray Chapel of Peace
Gaddis & Son, Inc.
Ready Mix Go Concrete Delivery
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated - Columbus (OH) Alumnae Chapter
2023 Donors
Regina R. Harper
Sandra Ragland
Dr. Tammi Jordon
Tamara Nathan and Family
Lillian Fenderson Richardson
Marvin and Minister Lajuana Brooks
Fred Cox
We are grateful for the following gestures to encourage each student:
- Certificates of Special Congressional Recognition from U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, 3rd District.
- Senatorial Citation from State Senator Hearcel F. Craig
- Certificates of Honor and Recognition from Columbus City Council President Shannon G. Hardin and Councilmember Shayla D. Favor
Finally, we were excited to have a local organization sponsor students from their organization. Thank you, Tanya Scott, M.Ed., Youth Project Manager, The Black Girls’, and Young Women's Collective with The Center for Healthy Families.