WBA Foundation Inc.

Welcome to the WBA Foundation!

Our
Story

Mission

Established in 2025, The WBA Foundation empowers youth through education, leadership development, mentorship, and culturally grounded rites of passage experiences that prepare them for college, career, and life. Rooted in a legacy of community service, the Foundation creates pathways for opportunity, generational success, and the development of future leaders.

The WBA Foundation is the fundraising arm of the Willie B. Adkins Scholars Program.

Board of Directors

2025-2027

Chair

Tiffanee D. Jones

Tiffanee D. Jones is a community leader, advocate, and the driving force behind the Willie B. Adkins (WBA) Foundation. She currently serves as District Director for California Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (AD-11), where she leads legislative, constituent, and community engagement efforts across Solano County. Deeply committed to youth empowerment, education, and equity,

Tiffanee has played a key role in sustaining and expanding the Willie B. Adkins Scholars Program for nearly four decades. Her work centers on building pathways to opportunity, preserving legacy, and ensuring young people are equipped to lead with purpose and pride.

Member

Dr. Edison Kelly

Dr. Edison Kelly is an accomplished educator, administrator, and community leader with decades of experience advancing student success, educational equity, and family engagement.

Dr. Kelly has served in multiple leadership roles within the Vallejo City Unified School District, including Director of Parent and School Support, Assistant Director of Student Services, and Principal of Alternative Education Schools. His work has focused on strengthening parent engagement, improving student attendance, supporting foster and homeless youth, overseeing LCAP funding, and leading instructional and operational excellence across school sites.

He is also a dedicated mentor and supporter of youth development through his involvement with the Willie B. Adkins Scholars Program and Omega Gents, where he has helped guide young men in leadership, academic achievement, and personal responsibility.

His lifelong dedication to education, mentorship, civil rights, and community empowerment reflects the mission and impact of the WBA Foundation.

Member

Joseph Jones

Joseph “Joe” Jones is a lifelong educator, mentor, and respected community leader whose dedication to young people has helped shape generations of students in Vallejo and across Solano County. With a career spanning more than four decades, his work in education and youth development has centered on academic achievement, leadership development, and creating opportunities for students to thrive.

Joe has been a cornerstone of the Willie B. Adkins Scholars Program, serving as Director for 25 years and now holding the title of Director Emeritus. His leadership helped guide the growth and sustainability of the program, impacting hundreds of scholars and families while strengthening its reputation as a pipeline for college readiness, mentorship, and community engagement.

His legacy is defined by a lifelong commitment to education, mentorship, and community empowerment and values that continue to shape and inspire the mission of the WBA Foundation today.

What the WBA Foundation
Funds Each Year

The WBA Foundation proudly provides financial support to sustain and expand the Willie B. Adkins Scholars Program through the following annual investments:

Scholar Programs & Academic Support

Rites of Passage programming and cultural enrichment experiences
Academic mentoring and leadership development workshops
College readiness support, including applications, essays, and financial aid guidance
Scholarships and direct financial assistance for participating scholars

College & Career Exposure

Annual HBCU College Tour and related travel expenses
Career exploration events and professional guest speaker series
Internship exposure and workforce readiness opportunities

Family & Community Engagement

Parent education and engagement initiatives
Community service and civic leadership activities
Partnerships with Divine Nine organizations and community stakeholders

Leadership & Personal Development

Financial literacy education and wealth-building programming
Youth leadership conferences, retreats, and empowerment sessions
Cultural identity, history, and character development experiences

Program Sustainability & Operations

Educational materials, supplies, and program resources
Transportation and meals for scholars during program activities
Recognition ceremonies, graduations, and milestone celebrations
Alumni engagement and mentorship pipeline development
100 Men Who Can Cook Annual Fundraiser
HBCU Out of State Tour
Winter and Spring Conferences.

Through these efforts, the WBA Foundation ensures that scholars receive consistent academic, cultural, and leadership support—preserving the legacy and long-term impact of the Willie B. Adkins Scholars Program for future generations.

How Can You Support?

DONATE TODAY

Invest in the Future of Our Scholars

Your support of the WBA Foundation is an investment in the next generation of leaders, scholars, and changemakers.

Every donation helps provide mentorship, scholarships, college access experiences, leadership development, and culturally grounded programming that empowers young people to reach their full potential.

For more than 40 years, the Willie B. Adkins Scholars Program has shaped lives, opened doors, and strengthened families and communities. With your partnership, we can continue this legacy ensuring that every scholar has the resources, guidance, and opportunities needed to succeed.

Join us in building brighter futures. Make a gift today and help us continue the work.

Contact Us

Email: WBAFoundation25@gmail.com

The WBA Foundation is a nonprofit organization designated as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation supports educational, leadership, and youth development programs benefiting students and families in our community.