We exist to inspire hope, promote equity by connecting families to essential educational supports and resources.
Our core beliefs and most important values
Our Mission…
Mission: To inspire hope, promote equity by connecting families to needed educational supports and resources.
Our Vision…
To eliminate the external barriers that prevent student success
Every child, Every opportunity
Our Core Beliefs…
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We believe that ALL people can succeed and achieve their dreams.
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We believe that it is ALL children’s fundamental right to have access to equitable, quality education regardless of color or socioeconomic status.
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We believe that healthy communities are built through education.
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We believe that obstacles are overcome together.
About Us…
The Charles Ward Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 2020 by Wendy Ward. The foundation is named in honor of Wendy’s father, Charles Coleman Ward, who was a college math professor who grew up in the impoverished small town of Jenkins, Kentucky. Charles attended both a segregated elementary and high school that lacked the resources and materials that white-only schools accessed. Despite the odds, Charles went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree and his Master’s degree in Mathematics.
- The CWF Scholarship Fund is awarded annually in August and January depending on fund availability. Scholarships are awarded to purchase books, materials, and cover course fees. Students attending a technical college, community college, or a four-year college may apply. Preference will be given to education, math, science, and technology majors. (Remove the word fund -and “in August and January depending on fund availability.)
- The Basics: Providing supplies needed for virtual and in-person learning such as calculators, headphones, binders, pencils, paper, chapter and picture books to build at-home libraries, etc ( remove for virtual and in person learning)
- Virtual Volunteers are needed for virtual tutoring grades K-8. Submit your name and contact information for more details. (Remove the word virtual)
Charles was generous, kind, and a staunch believer in public education. He often told his family that often, it wasn’t the most intelligent students that finished college but rather those who worked hard, sought help when needed, and remained tenacious through times of adversity. Often, Charles encouraged people of all ages to pursue their dreams and continue their education, whether it be a GED, an associate degree, a certification program, a bachelor’s degree, or higher. Charles truly believed that education could break the cycle of poverty.
