Youth program empowers students through HBCU college tours

During a recent government meeting, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners welcomed Althea Gaddis, co-founder of the Willie and Vivian Gaddis Foundation, who presented the impactful Jumpstart College Tour program. This initiative, aimed at high school students in Franklin County, has successfully provided over 300 hours of workshops focused on leadership, college selection, and civic responsibility. Gaddis reported that this year, 75 students benefited from the program, with 44 participating in a tour of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Students Kennedy Hampton and Deshawn Ransom shared their personal experiences from the tour. Hampton, a recent graduate, expressed gratitude for the program, which helped her choose Hampton University for her health sciences major. Ransom highlighted the scholarship opportunities and connections he made during the tour, emphasizing the educational value of learning about various colleges.

The meeting also addressed the establishment of a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument at the National Veterans Memorial Museum. Chris Long, deputy county administrator, detailed the county's commitment of $50,000 to support this initiative, which honors families who have lost loved ones in military service. The monument, part of a national effort, aims to provide a space for remembrance and education about the sacrifices made by these families.

Commissioners expressed their support for both initiatives, recognizing the importance of education and honoring veterans. The meeting concluded with a call for approval of the minutes from previous sessions and a commitment to continue supporting educational and memorial efforts in the community.