ABOUT US

“Succeeding is inevitable for me. Success is my reality.”

OUR MISSION

At the Willie and Vivian Gaddis Foundation, we believe every child carries a divine spark. Through education, entrepreneurship, and intentional exposure, we equip youth in Central Ohio to discover, affirm, and live out their purpose. Our programs are designed to build legacy, foster leadership, and create multigenerational impact—one scholar at a time.

OUR VISION

Program beneficiaries will be positioned to live productive lives and make positive contributions to society.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

  1. To develop building blocks that ensure program beneficiaries are positioned to live extraordinary lives.
  2. To operate with integrity, maintaining always a "standard of excellence."
  3. To maximize resources and funds to fulfill our mission and vision.

Willie & Vivian Gaddis

Alethea Eunice Gaddis, Co-Founder

Randal L. Gaddis I, Co-Founder

Welcome to the Willie & Vivian Gaddis Foundation

We are dedicated to providing the very best in college access information and programming to youth and families. Every person has a "spark," something that ignites them to action. It's a burning desire that drives one to achieve above and beyond the ordinary. Our foundation seeks to prime that spark and passion, challenging young people to develop a vision for their lives. Their image should be fueled by that activity, talent, or academic subject that brings joy and peace. The picture should cause one to thrive and live a meaningful and life. We challenge parents to recognize that spark in their young children; a keen interest in music, numbers, art, creating, building, organizing, sports; fuel their sparks early!


To quote Olympian Wilma Rudolph, "Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us."

Our Hope:


  • Every young person will recognize the value of learning and preparation.
  • Every young person will realize their best path: a two-year college or university, a four-year college or university, or a professional trade or vocation.
  • Parents, families, educators, clergy, and community organizations will embrace our role and responsibility to inspire children and youth to live extraordinary lives.
  • No matter your age, realize it is not too late to seize new opportunities.


We look forward to serving you! Are you pursuing your purpose? What is your "spark?"

Our Program Philosophy

Why college access? We are committed to offering college access programming because we believe every individual has a purpose to fulfill. For many, post-secondary education provides this opportunity, and early awareness about the process is critical. Life is a journey filled with triumphs and challenges, and we want to offer building blocks to help youth successfully matriculate through high school, to college and graduation day!


Workers with professional degrees have higher median weekly earnings and lower unemployment rates than those with lower education levels. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with graduate degrees (master's, professional, and doctoral degrees) had the highest earnings and lowest unemployment rates in 2021. The median weekly earnings for a worker with a master's degree is $1,574 per week, which is 16% higher than a worker with a bachelor's degree. The unemployment rate for workers with a master's degree is 2.6%.**


In 2023, the median weekly earnings for full-time wage and salary workers in management, professional, and related occupations was $1,751 for men and $1,312 for women***. The unemployment rate varies depending on the level of education attained. Workers aged 25 and over earning less than a high school diploma had the highest unemployment rate (8.3 percent) among all education levels. Workers with graduate degrees had the lowest unemployment rates 1.

It's important to note that these are general trends and that salaries and unemployment rates can vary depending on the industry, experience, location, and other factors.


Many say most startup entrepreneurs have at least a bachelor's degree. However, it is also worth noting that while having a college degree can benefit entrepreneurs, it is not the only factor determining success. Other factors such as experience, creativity, and perseverance can also play a significant role in an entrepreneur's success.


Many successful entrepreneurs such as Russell Simmons, Steve Jobs, and Bill Gates did not complete their college degrees. In addition, Jay-Z was reportedly worth over $1 billion. He dropped out of high school in Brooklyn, New York. Daymond John, founder of FUBU, a famous clothing brand in the 1990s, also dropped out of school.


Some colleges and universities offer entrepreneurship programs that can help aspiring entrepreneurs develop the skills and knowledge necessary to start their businesses. These programs can range from undergraduate degrees in entrepreneurship to MBA programs with a concentration in entrepreneurship.


*Career Outlook article page - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

** Average Salary by Education Level | Moneywise

*** Usual Weekly Earnings Summary - 2023 Q02 Results - U.S. Bureau of Labor



To this end we embrace the value of:

College Preparation and Enrichment


We do this by building program participants' awareness and enhancing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will prepare students to enroll and succeed in college.  We continue to develop the program to introduce the importance of a personal mission statement and how it, self-management, and relationship skills better prepare students to thrive and graduate. Social and emotional learning activities are essential, along with academics, to prepare students for college success.

Asset Development

We do this by directing youth and parents to resources and community services and programs that meet their developmental needs. 

Exposure

We strive to accomplish this by offering virtual and affordable in-person and college tours that provide participants a glimpse of "college life" firsthand and introduce youth to professionals who look like them and are living out their purpose. We also strive to present the value of a college degree and entrepreneurship opportunities in pursuit of passion and purpose

2001

Year Established

1,100+

Students

107+

Campus Visits

57

Colleges & Universities