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

2023 Jump Start Recap Video!

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.

View 2023 Report

Parent & Student Reflections

John Doe's Image
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.

Aisha B.

John Doe's Image
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!

Kennedy H.

John Doe's Image
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.

John Doe's Image
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 Closing Ceremony Video

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.