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
- To develop building blocks that ensure program beneficiaries are positioned to live extraordinary lives.
- To operate with integrity, maintaining always a "standard of excellence."
- 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
Where purpose meets opportunity
The Willie & Vivian Gaddis Foundation exists to ignite purpose, expand opportunity, and prepare the next generation of leaders. Since 2001, our work has been rooted in the values that now guide our 2026 Jump Start Compass programming. The compass symbolizes direction—and we believe every young person carries a spark that points toward who they are becoming. That spark is the beginning of purpose, and when nurtured, it becomes the foundation for achievement, leadership, and lifelong impact.
We challenge scholars to envision a future shaped by the activities, talents, and academic interests that bring them joy and peace. When a scholar can see themselves thriving—in college, in a career, or in service to their community—they begin to build a meaningful life anchored in purpose.
We also encourage parents and families to recognize and fuel the spark in their children early. Whether it shows up in music, academic achievement, numbers, art, building, organizing, creating, or athletics, early encouragement can change the trajectory of a scholar’s life.
“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.”
— Wilma Rudolph
2001
Year Established
1,250+
Students
120+
Campus Visits
60+
Colleges & Universities
Program Overview
Jump Start Compass Cohort 1 (March–December)
Your Pathway to College, Career & Community Success
Jump Start Compass is a youth development and career/workforce readiness pipeline designed to provide scholars with early exposure to educational and career opportunities, mentorship, and a community of like‑minded peers. It is our signature launchpad for scholars ready to pursue extraordinary lives.
Jump Start Open Access Cohort 2 (April–December)
Explore Compass without Full Enrollment
Free, open‑access monthly leadership and readiness sessions for high school scholars in grades 9–12. These sessions offer exposure to leadership development, college and career readiness, and community involvement.
Jump Start Legacy Scholarships
Investing in Educational Access & Opportunity
We honor and remember those from the Gaddis family trees who dreamed of futures they could not yet see. Our Legacy Scholarships carry forward their hopes by supporting scholars today.
Open to Jump Start College Experience graduating seniors and alumni scholars.
Application and essay required. Application window opens April 15.
NEW Jump Start Capstone!
Open to up to 20 Central Ohio graduating high school seniors, including Jump Start alumni.
This program guides scholars through the scholarship application process, providing valuable experience and support to pursue their educational goals.
Registration Required. Opens April 15, 2026
The Heart of Jump Start Compass
Jump Start Compass reflects everything we believe:
- Scholars deserve early exposure to college and career pathways.
- Scholars thrive when surrounded by community, mentorship, and purpose.
- Scholars rise higher when encouraged to dream boldly and prepare intentionally.
- Scholars succeed when supported by families, educators, and caring adults who believe in their potential.
Jump Start Compass is more than a program—it is a pathway to purpose, a community of belonging, and a launchpad for scholars ready to build extraordinary lives.
Our Hope for Every Scholar
- That they recognize the value of learning, preparation, and personal growth.
- That they discover their best‑fit pathway—whether a two‑year college, four‑year university, professional trade, or vocational program.
- That they build a strong network of mentors, professionals, and like‑minded peers who support their journey.
- That families, educators, clergy, and community partners embrace their shared responsibility to inspire scholars to live extraordinary lives.
- That individuals of all ages understand it is never too late to pursue purpose or seize new opportunities.

We are honored to walk alongside you. Are you pursuing your purpose? What is your spark?
Our Program Philosophy
College, Career, and Community Awareness
Every scholar deserves early exposure to the opportunities that education and career exploration can unlock. College and career awareness helps scholars understand the full range of pathways available to them—two‑year colleges, four‑year universities, apprenticeships, professional trades, military service, entrepreneurship, and emerging industries.
This awareness is not just about choosing a major or identifying a job. It is about helping scholars understand their strengths, interests, and values—and how these can shape a meaningful life. Through intentional programming, scholars learn how education connects to real‑world opportunities, economic mobility, and long‑term stability.
Why Education Still Matters: 2024 Data
Recent national labor market data continues to affirm the value of education:
- Workers age 25+ with less than a high school diploma had the highest unemployment rate (6.2%) and the lowest median weekly earnings ($738) in 2024.
- Workers with graduate degrees had the lowest unemployment rates and the highest earnings among all education levels.
- Across all U.S. workers, the median usual weekly earnings in 2024 were $1,221, with an overall unemployment rate of 3.3%.
Median weekly earnings by degree level (2024):
- Bachelor’s degree: ~$1,543
- Master’s degree: ~$1,840
- Professional degree: ~$2,278
- Doctoral degree: ~$2,363
- Some college, no degree: ~$930–$1,020
- High school diploma: ~$1,099
- Less than high school: $738
These trends reinforce a consistent truth: education expands opportunity, increases earning potential, and reduces vulnerability during economic shifts.
Building Community Through Professional Networks
A strong future is built on strong relationships. Scholars thrive when they are connected to caring adults, mentors, and professionals who can guide, encourage, and open doors.

Through exposure to professionals across diverse fields, scholars gain:
- Insight into real career journeys—challenges, pivots, and successes
- Access to role models who reflect their identities and aspirations
- Opportunities for mentorship, internships, shadowing, and hands‑on learning
- A supportive community of adults who believe in their potential
These connections help scholars understand that success is not achieved alone. It is built through shared wisdom, guidance, and the courage to seek support.
Building Community With Like‑Minded Scholars
Just as important as connecting with professionals is the opportunity for scholars to build community with one another. When scholars are surrounded by peers who share similar goals, values, and aspirations, they experience:
- Motivation and accountability
- A sense of belonging
- Collaborative learning and shared resources
- Positive peer influence that reinforces leadership and academic focus

A community of like‑minded scholars strengthens confidence, builds resilience, and creates an environment where each young person can grow, dream, and thrive.