Building Strong Foundations
The Williams-Franklin Foundation ® is dedicated to providing academic scholarships, career networking, and mentoring opportunities to HBCU students with financial need. Founded in 2014 by Howard University alumni Dwight and LaShelle (Williams) Franklin, the foundation embodies their lifelong commitment to service and education. As graduates of Howard University, the Franklins experienced firsthand the power of an educational community dedicated to excellence and service. They established WFF to help students overcome financial barriers and achieve their educational dreams. Join us in our mission to change lives through collective effort and shared responsibility.
Featured Upcoming WFF Events
People Helping People
Board of Directors
Meet the visionary leaders guiding the Williams-Franklin Foundation.
Meet the Board
Internship and Job Placement Opportunities
The Williams-Franklin Foundation offers more than scholarships—we open doors to meaningful career experiences like personalized internships and job placement opportunities through our extensive professional network. Our partners, like the Dana Farber Harvard Cancer Institute, help awardees gain real-world experience essential for career growth. By fostering a supportive community where students can connect and collaborate, and connecting students with paid internships and professional mentoring, we’re dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders.
Apply for the WFF Scholarship
Are you a student at an accredited Historically Black College or University (HBCU) facing financial challenges? The Williams-Franklin Foundation (WFF) Scholarship offers $5,000 academic scholarships in support, along with opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and career networking. It’s more than just funding—it’s a chance to connect with a community that values your success.
Celebrating Excellence:
The 2024 Anna Julia Cooper Award
Shawn Yancy, the 2024 Anna Julia Cooper Awardee, was honored at our annual Ladies’ Tea on April 20, 2024, in Washington, DC. This prestigious award celebrates her dedication and impact within the community.
Be a Part of the Mission
Empower HBCU students to achieve their full potential by getting involved with the Williams-Franklin Foundation. Whether you provide a scholarship, mentor a student, or partner with us, your support can change lives and shape futures.
Our Impact by the Numbers
We are proud to share our achievements in supporting HBCU students. Over the years, we've awarded scholarships to 124 deserving scholars, totaling $501,300 across 18 different HBCUs. Join us in making a difference!
Amount Raised
Scholarships Awarded
HBCUs
Graduation Rate for WFF Scholars.
Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.~ Nelson “Madiba” Mandela, July 2003
Recent Scholarship Recipients
Taylor Sconiers
Hampton University
Funded by:
WFF Scholar
Returning WFF Scholar Taylor Sconiers, expected class of 2026, is from Bloomfield, New Jersey. Taylor is studying Sports Management at Hampton University. In the summer of 2024, she was proud…
Jaylah Dorman
Howard University
Funded by:
The Vallee Foundation, Inc.
Returning WFF Scholar Jaylah Dorman, expected class of 2025, is from Durham, North Carolina. Jaylah is studying Health Education| Community Health at Howard University. In the summer of 2024, She…
Taylar Davis
North Carolina A&T State University
Funded by:
The Vallee Foundation, Inc.
Returning WFF Scholar Taylar Davis, expected class of 2026, is from Charlotte, North Carolina. Taylar is studying Psychology at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. In the summer of…
Destiny Lewis
Bowie State University
Funded by:
The Vallee Foundation, Inc.
Destiny Lewis, expected class of 2026, is from Owings, Maryland. Destiny is studying Chemistry at Bowie State University. In the summer of 2024, she worked in the 10-week CURE summer…
Joshua Wallington
Alabama A&M University
Funded by:
The Vallee Foundation, Inc.
Returning WFF Scholar Joshua Wallington, expected class of 2025, is from Troy, Michigan. Joshua is studying Computer Science at Howard University. In the summer of 2024, he interned at Google…
Sanai Neblett
Hampton University
Funded by:
The Vallee Foundation, Inc.
Returning WFF Scholar Sanai Neblett, class of 2025, is from Dacula, Georgia. She is studying Psychology (Pre-med) at Hampton University. In the summer of 2024, she enrolled in 2 summer…
Ashley Pryor
Morgan State University
Funded by:
The Vallee Foundation, Inc.
Returning WFF Scholar Ashley Pryor, expected class of 2025, is from Bowie, Maryland. She is studying Computer Science at Morgan State University. In the summer of 2024, she interned at…
Sierra Sands
Spelman College
Funded by:
WFF Scholar
Sierra Sands, expected class of May 2025, is from Columbia, South Carolina. She studies International Studies (Business) and Computer Science at Spelman College. In the summer of 2024, she was…
Make a Lasting Impact by Empowering the Next Generation
Change Student Lives
Your contribution helps HBCU students overcome financial barriers, empowering them to pursue their educational dreams.
Support Future Leaders
Invest in the next generation of African American leaders, innovators, and change-makers.
Break Poverty Cycles
Help students from underserved backgrounds rise above economic challenges and achieve sustainable prosperity.
Charitable Contributions
Make your charitable donations go further with tax benefits, enhancing your corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Talent Pipeline Development
Connect with emerging talent from HBCUs, opening doors for future employment and internships within your organization.
Expand Professional Networks
Provide students with invaluable networking opportunities, connecting them with mentors and industry leaders.
Enhance Academic Success
Increased funding allows students to focus on studies without the stress of financial burdens, improving graduation rates.
Build a Legacy
Be part of a philanthropic legacy that lasts beyond the classroom and touches communities across generations.
Our Latest Networking Event
4th Annual Williams-Franklin Foundation (WFF)
2024 Golf Tournament
What an incredible day at our 2024 Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser! The event was a huge success, filled with camaraderie, competition, and community spirit. A heartfelt thank you to all our generous sponsors, our title sponsor PMCS, and participants for making this day possible and supporting our mission. With $1.076M raised and committed so far, together, we’re creating brighter futures for HBCU students! Learn More
Recent Articles
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Top Industries Hiring HBCU Graduates
How to Navigate the Financial Aid Process as an HBCU Student
How to Balance Academics and Campus Life at an HBCU
Overcoming Financial Barriers: Our Role in Supporting HBCU Students
