Kansas City Man Launches Scholarship Fund in Son's Memory

The Jordyn L. Waller Second Chance Scholarship will provide $500 awards to justice-impacted individuals pursuing education or career training.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Johnny Waller Jr., a Kansas City man, has launched the Jordyn L. Waller Second Chance Scholarship Fund in honor of his son Jordyn, who died from stage four, high-risk neuroblastoma in 2008 at the age of three. The scholarship will provide $500 awards to justice-impacted individuals in Kansas City and Jackson County who are pursuing education or career training, with Waller personally funding the first scholarship.

Why it matters

Waller's own experiences of being shot at 16 and going to prison at 18 have shaped his mission to help prevent others from traveling down a similar path. The scholarship aims to support individuals who have been impacted by the criminal justice system and provide them with opportunities to successfully reintegrate into society.

The details

Waller founded Clear Tomorrow KC in 2024 to address cycles of incarceration and offer free mental health support in Kansas City. The Jordyn L. Waller Second Chance Scholarship will begin in Fall 2026, providing financial assistance to justice-impacted individuals pursuing education or career training.

  • Waller founded Clear Tomorrow KC in the fall of 2024.
  • Jordyn L. Waller died on March 4, 2008, five days before his fourth birthday.
  • The Jordyn L. Waller Second Chance Scholarship will begin in Fall 2026.

The players

Johnny Waller Jr.

A Kansas City man who has launched the Jordyn L. Waller Second Chance Scholarship Fund in honor of his son Jordyn, who died from stage four, high-risk neuroblastoma in 2008 at the age of three. Waller founded Clear Tomorrow KC in 2024 to address cycles of incarceration and offer free mental health support in Kansas City.

Jordyn L. Waller

Waller's son, who died from stage four, high-risk neuroblastoma on March 4, 2008, five days before his fourth birthday. The Jordyn L. Waller Second Chance Scholarship Fund is named in his honor.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I thought this was a great way to honor his memory and legacy. Even though he was only here for a short time, but it was impactful in my life. My hope is that in his memory it'll be impactful to someone else's life.”

— Johnny Waller Jr., Founder, Clear Tomorrow KC (KCTV5)

“I got shot in the head when I was 16. I went to prison when I was 18. I want to prevent people from traveling down the path that I went down.”

— Johnny Waller Jr., Founder, Clear Tomorrow KC (KCTV5)

“My goal is simply to help people successfully reintegrate back into society and be the person that they're meant to be. Have the courage to do the things necessary to make sure that you fulfill your purpose and have a great life.”

— Johnny Waller Jr., Founder, Clear Tomorrow KC (KCTV5)

“I think Jordyn would be happy about that. He'd be like, 'Yeah dad. That's the thing to do.' So, just really wanna make him proud.”

— Johnny Waller Jr., Founder, Clear Tomorrow KC (KCTV5)

What’s next

The first Jordyn L. Waller Second Chance Scholarship will be awarded in Fall 2026.

The takeaway

This scholarship fund demonstrates Waller's commitment to honoring his son's memory and supporting individuals who have faced challenges in the criminal justice system, providing them with opportunities to pursue education and career training and successfully reintegrate into their communities.