Published on June 23, 2026
Franklin County Board of Commissioners I Franklin County Office of Economic Engagement and Community Development
Demand for college readiness support in Franklin County has grown past what existing programs can currently handle. The Board of Commissioners responded on June 23, 2026, with a $215,000 investment in the Willie and Vivian Gaddis Foundation, one of the county's longest-standing partners in youth education.
The Board voted unanimously to approve Resolution 0429-26, authorizing a grant agreement through the Office of Economic Engagement and Community Development. The investment supports the foundation's work in college readiness coaching, financial aid literacy, and scholarship navigation for first-generation and low-income students in Franklin County.
The foundation has operated for close to 25 years. Director Andrena Austin told the board that participation in the foundation's cohort model has grown substantially in recent years, with demand now outpacing capacity, particularly in college readiness coaching, financial aid literacy, and parent engagement.
The expanded programming includes a financial aid literacy boot camp, parent peer circles, a scholarship navigation lab, college cost transparency sessions, parent leadership and advocacy training, one-on-one parent consultations, a high school senior capstone, and expanded multi-day college tours across Ohio institutions.
Vivian Gaddis, co-founder and CEO of the foundation, was present at the session. Director Austin said the investment will enable the foundation to serve more scholars and families as Franklin County's population and need continue to grow.
The resolution aligns with Rise Together Blueprint Goals 3, 4, 11, and 13.
Session Date: June 23, 2026
Resolution: Res. 0429-26
Vote: Passed unanimously