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🎓 Jordyn L Waller Second Chance Scholarship Fund

Jordyn L. Waller Second Chance Scholarship Fund | Clear Tomorrow KC
In Loving Memory
Jordyn L. Waller

Jordyn L. Waller

Gone too soon at age four, and carried forward in everything we build

Strong. Caring. Wonderful. He loved Thomas the Train and being read to, and this scholarship is how his story keeps being told, one student at a time.

Who Jordyn Was

A strong, caring, wonderful little boy.

Jordyn passed away from stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma at just four years old. In that short time, he was fiercely loved, and he loved fiercely back. This scholarship carries his name so that who he was keeps showing up in the world, in the students it helps move forward.

Strong

Even at four, he faced more than most people face in a lifetime, carrying a strength his family will always hold onto.

Loved Thomas the Train

Tracks, engines, the whole world of it, a joy that was entirely, wonderfully his.

Loved being read to

Story time was his time, curled up and listening, part of the world every child deserves to have.

Every page we read together was a small, whole world, and every gift to this fund gives another student the chance to write their next chapter.
In Jordyn's memory
His Journey Continues

A name that stands for what comes next.

Clear Tomorrow KC was founded on the belief that a criminal record should not permanently block opportunity. Founder Johnny Waller Jr. knows that firsthand, having navigated arrests, court involvement, and the weight of collateral consequences himself.

He is also Jordyn's father. This scholarship carries his son's name forward as something built, not just remembered, funding real semesters for real students working toward a second chance, the same way Jordyn's family keeps working to build a clearer tomorrow in his honor.

Beginning Fall 2026, the fund will provide two $1,000 semester awards to formerly incarcerated and justice-involved individuals in Kansas City and Jackson County pursuing higher education, trade school, or industry-recognized certification. The first award has already been personally funded, guaranteeing at least one student receives support this fall.

Scholarship Details

What the award covers.

Award amount, per recipient
$1,000 / semester
First award cycle
Fall 2026
Geographic focus
KC MO & Jackson Co.
How funds are disbursed
Direct to institution
Eligibility Requirements

Who this scholarship is for.

Formerly incarcerated or justice-involved
Resides in Kansas City, MO or Jackson County
Accepted or enrolled in a 2- or 4-year college
Or enrolled in trade, vocational, or workforce certification
Can provide proof of enrollment
Can submit a personal statement and three references
Application Process

How and when to apply.

Opens

April 1, 2026

Recipients announced

August 2026

Applicants will be asked to submit:

  • 01 Basic contact information
  • 02 Proof of enrollment
  • 03 A 500–750 word personal statement
  • 04 Three references

Apply now

Complete the form below, and it saves your place in line for the Fall 2026 cycle.

Who It Reaches

Students writing their own next chapter.

Every recipient of this scholarship is doing what Jordyn never got the chance to: growing, learning, and building a future. That's the legacy this fund is built to carry.

A student pursuing higher education, representative of future scholarship recipients
Representative image, not a photo of an actual scholarship recipient
In loving memory of Jordyn L. Waller
Your gift honors Jordyn's life and helps build the second chances he never got the chance to see.

Every donation goes directly toward tuition, books, and program fees for students working to rebuild their futures.

Give in Jordyn's Memory
Still Have Questions

Not sure if you or someone you know qualifies?

Visit our FAQ page to learn more, or reach out directly, since we're here to help.

Visit the F.A.Q →
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Still have Questions

Please visit our frequently asked questions page to learn more about our organization. If you still have questions, please feel free to contact us!

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