Willie B. Adkins Scholars Program
" MAKING THE DREAM BECOME A REALITY "
The Willie B. Adkins Scholars Program, formerly known as the Tanner Project, has been in existence since 1986. The components of the program are study skills, SAT/ACT preparation, tutoring, parent support, cultural awareness, community service and local and Historically Black College and University tours. Many of the Adkins Scholars choose to attend the colleges visited on the tours.
The Adkins Scholars Program can boast of many successes over the years and has a great record of motivating students to set college or vocational education as a goal worth pursuing.
We have seen former Adkins Scholars go on to become teachers, lawyers, doctors, skilled union workers and business professionals to name a few. The current class of Adkins Scholars pledges to continue that legacy.
History
The incredible Willie B. Adkins was born in Philadelphia, Mississippi, in 1935. His incredible journey has taken him from education to athletics and global outreach. He began his formal education in Mobile, Alabama, before moving to Detroit, Michigan, where he graduated from Northeastern High School. In a joyous ceremony, he married the love of his life, Mary Ann Wiley (Adkins), in December 1955.
Adkins' academic achievements earned him a track and field scholarship to Central Michigan University. He then went on to graduate from the University in June 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.
Mr. Adkins was drafted into the United States Army, ready to serve his country. Upon his return to the United States, he was eager to continue his educational pursuits. He earned a Master's Degree from San Francisco State University and completed coursework toward a Ph.D. at the University of the Pacific and the University of California, Berkeley.
Adkins' passion for education led him to interview for teaching positions in Oakland, Richmond, and Vallejo, eager to share his skills and knowledge with new students in new places. He was thrilled to accept a teaching position in Vallejo, where he began at Dan Mini Elementary School in September 1961. Just three short years later, he moved to Admiral Farragut Elementary School.
During his early career with the Vallejo Unified School District, Mr. Adkins had the opportunity to teach U.S. History and Math at the Vallejo Adult Education Center. He was an amazing Instructor of Mathematics and an equally amazing Instructor of the 1st Saturday class for the Gifted and Talented at Stefan Manor Elementary School. Mr. Adkins was the driving force behind the Vallejo Afterschool Study Hall and Adult Basic Education Program.
Mr. Adkins has received numerous awards, including the Vallejo Outstanding Young Educator Award, the PTA Honorary Life Award, and the State of California Finalist, Outstanding Young Educator Award.
In 1971, Adkins made history as Vallejo's first African American Principal at Elsa Widenmann Elementary School. He transformed the school by raising test scores from the lowest to near the top in the Vallejo Unified School District (VCUSD). He was also responsible for introducing the innovative Project Backyard initiative into the career education curriculum.
In 1974, as Director of Pupil Personal Services at VCUSD, Adkins made some incredible changes. He established the School Attendance Review Board (SARB), an alternative junior high education program (BEST), and rewrote suspension/expulsion policies. He made some other great changes. He implemented a Hearing Officer for expulsions and new criteria for the placement of Special Education students.
In 1978, Adkins took on the exciting role of Director of Special Projects at VCUSD, where he oversaw Title I and other state-funded programs. He introduced a whole host of new and exciting programs, including after-school junior high sports programs, Project Backyard (a fantastic initiative offering career education, 46 home learning centers, and a human relations component), a communication component (a state-of-the-art TV studio at Curry School), computer learning centers at each junior high school, and the computer proctor concept. Adkins also had the great privilege of serving on the California State Professional Standards Committee for Teaching Credentialing.
In 1985, Adkins did something truly remarkable. He wrote a grant and established the Tanner Project now know as the Willie B. Adkins Scholars Program which enabled over 400 students to attend and graduate from college. He also implemented an incredible out-of-state historically Black College Tour, established Hogan Senior High as a SAT site and Vallejo High as an ACT site, and assisted in writing Standard English Program legislation (which unfortunately was later vetoed by the Governor).
In 1989, he had the incredible opportunity to assist in the "I Have a Dream" Program and pilot the PSAT for all 10th graders in VCUSD. From 1990 to 1993, he wrote Project Affirmation, which was a fantastic piece of work identifying African American Firsts and the impact of the First African American Organizations in Vallejo, California. He also wrote a grant and implemented a statewide Standard English Program Institute, and he even served on the California State Self-Esteem Commission.
In 1994, Adkins received the prestigious Marcus Foster Award from the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), recognizing his exceptional contributions to education. In 1996, Mr. Adkins retired, and the Tanner Project was re-named the Willie B. Adkins Scholars Program in honor of his legacy.
Willie B. Adkins was a force of nature throughout his career, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to education, empowerment, and creating opportunities for students to thrive. His remarkable journey left an indelible mark on countless lives, inspiring generations to come.
