Established in 2002 to honor the legacy of Dr. Melvin Wallase Jones, the MWJ Foundation supports academic achievement, leadership development, mentoring, and career development—guided by “Never, Ever, Ever… Give Up.”
MWJ Foundation supports students through scholarship assistance, academic support, and mentoring experiences that build confidence, leadership, and long-term opportunity.
Open to full-time students enrolled in an accredited four-year college or university. Awards help cover qualified education expenses and reduce reliance on loans and work-study.
Provides Memphis students in grades 1–5 with tutoring, mentoring, and enrichment that strengthen academic growth, confidence and personal development.
Provides leadership-centered mentoring and Camp Strand youth experiences that help students build confidence, character, purpose, and readiness for meaningful growth ahead.
MWJ Foundation measures impact through scholar support, academic progress, mentoring hours, and reported student outcomes across its scholarship and youth programs.
Jones Scholars initiative established
Jones Scholars supported, reported
Graduates reported
Mentoring and tutorial hours through H.A.P.P.Y.
Students served through H.A.P.P.Y.
Reported reading and math skills improvement
MWJ honors Dr. Jones’ leadership, service, and enduring commitment to scholarships, mentoring, civic purpose and opportunity for each scholar.
MWJ is developing an alumni directory to connect scholars, celebrate outcomes, support engagement, and strengthen community over time for MWJ.
Students can review 2026–2027 financial aid guidance, key deadlines, requirements, and planning steps before submitting materials this season.
Your gift supports scholarships, tutoring, mentoring, and leadership experiences that help students continue their education with confidence and purpose.
