Dr. Travis Wilkins

Since beginning his work with inner-city youth at the age of 18, Dr. Wilkins has devoted his career to supporting young people navigating educational inequities, housing instability, foster care, juvenile justice involvement, and socioeconomic challenges. His relationship-centered approach emphasizes mentorship, accountability, academic achievement, leadership development, and long-term personal growth.

Throughout his career, Dr. Wilkins has served in a variety of impactful roles across education, higher education, residential services, and nonprofit leadership. His professional experience includes more than ten years in K–12 education, over a decade in college access and career readiness, thirteen years working within the federally funded Upward Bound Program, leadership in higher education residential life, academic advising, and directing programs that support youth transitioning from foster care into independent adulthood.

One of his most notable accomplishments came while serving as Advisor for the College for African American Males at Virginia Union University. Through intentional mentorship, leadership development, and structured academic support, every student in his cohort successfully returned for their sophomore year and ultimately graduated — a testament to the transformative power of culturally responsive mentorship and high expectations.

Dr. Wilkins has also demonstrated a lifelong commitment to building innovative community programs. In 2016, he founded Jet Movement Youth Services, providing tutoring, mentoring, and enrichment opportunities for youth from underserved communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched Lit Academy, a virtual mentorship initiative that offered students academic support, social-emotional learning, conflict resolution, and college readiness during one of the most uncertain seasons in recent history.

His passion for advocacy extends beyond schools and community programs. Dr. Wilkins has worked closely with court-involved youth, partnering with families, judges, and community stakeholders to help young people receive second chances through accountability, mentorship, and consistent support. He has also spent years guiding youth aging out of the foster care system, helping them develop life skills, pursue education and employment, and successfully transition into independent living.

These experiences ultimately inspired the creation of The Bridge Household, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established to provide safe, stable, and supportive pathways for youth and young adults ages 14–24 experiencing housing instability, foster care involvement, or other life transitions. Through mentorship, case management, workforce development, educational support, independent living preparation, and community partnerships, The Bridge Household exists to bridge the gap between uncertainty and opportunity.

For Dr. Wilkins, The Bridge Household is more than an organization — it is the culmination of a lifelong calling. It represents years of walking alongside young people, celebrating their victories, advocating during their struggles, and believing in their potential long before they believed in themselves.

His vision is simple yet profound: to ensure that every young person has access to the relationships, resources, and opportunities needed to build a future defined not by their circumstances, but by their potential.