The Annual Dr. Joyce Dixon College Tour
The story of our College Tour began in 2010 with just two 15-passenger vans and a group of motivated students. The trip was an exciting incentive for high school students seeking to attend an HBCU or college out of state, in addition to attending the highly anticipated Honda Battle of the Bands. Blake E. Odum, who was the Director of Workshops for the FlintSource at the time, took about 20 high school students to visit Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University.
After such a transformative experience, Blake E. Odum made the College Tour an annual event, fulfilling the requests of the students. Today, hundreds of students have attended the College Tour and are academically thriving at various HBCUs throughout the country. Our non-profit project has been successfully supported by various sponsors who make it possible for students to attend year after year.
Years after starting the College Tour, Blake Odum had the great pleasure of meeting Dr. Joyce Martin Dixon, a generous supporter whose unwavering commitment to The Motivational Foundation brought about a tremendous shift for the organization. In honor of her dedication to increasing the number of young minorities attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Blake renamed the annual event to the Dr. Joyce Dixon College Tour.
Unfortunately, Dr. Joyce Martin Dixon gained her wings and ascended into heaven peacefully on Wednesday, October 12, 2022. She was a proud graduate of Bennett College and a true champion for educational equity. Her passion and unwavering support for our mission made an immeasurable impact on the lives of countless young people, and we are forever grateful for the time we got to spend with her.
Although we deeply mourn her passing, we remain committed to carrying on Dr. Dixon's legacy and continue to inspire and empower students across the country through our programs and initiatives.
Our College Tour is more than just a trip – it's a life-changing experience. The College Tour experience has paved the way for The Motivational Foundation to expand its work beyond just the tour. It has opened doors for us to bring diverse programming, mentorship, and events to our students in various capacities. We are proud to offer a range of initiatives that support the educational, personal, and professional growth of young people from underserved communities across the country.
Thanks to the generous contributions of our supporters, The Motivational Foundation has been able to fund many of these endeavors. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our donors, whose contributions have enabled us to continue our work in various committees and serve our students in a multitude of ways. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people, and we look forward to continuing to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders.
Join us in empowering and inspiring the next generation of leaders to pursue their academic dreams and achieve their full potential.