The Williams-Franklin Foundation ®
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.
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 2025 Anna Julia Cooper Award
Alencia Johnson, the 2025 Anna Julia Cooper Awardee, was honored at our annual Ladies’ Tea on April 12, 2025, 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 149 deserving scholars, totaling $506,300 across 28 different HBCUs. Join us in making a difference!
Total dollars awarded in scholarships:
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
Reagan Bussey
Alabama A&M University
Funded by:
WFF Scholar
The Vallee Foundation, Inc.
Reagan Bussey, expected class of 2027, is from Columbus, Georgia. She is studying Chemistry at Alabama A&M University. In the summer of 2025, she continued to work as a certified…
Sunday Youmans
North Carolina A&T State University
Funded by:
WFF Scholar
The Vallee Foundation, Inc.
Sunday Youmans, expected class of 2028, is from Atlanta, Georgia. She is studying Bioengineering at North Carolina A&T University. In summer 2025, she is serving as a summer intern with…
Cariuna Ellison
Fisk University
Funded by:
WFF Scholar
The Vallee Foundation, Inc.
Cariuna Ellison, expected class of 2028, is from Chattanooga, Tennessee. She is studying Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Fisk University. In summer 2025, she participated in Meharry Medical College’s MSBIO-PATH…
Alysia-Renee Surrell
Howard University
Funded by:
WFF Scholar
The Vallee Foundation, Inc.
Alysia-Renee Surrell, expected class of 2028, is from Stockton, California. She is studying Legal Communications at Howard University. In summer 2025, she interned at the District Office of Assemblymember Rhodesia…
Delilah Woods
Alabama State University
Funded by:
WFF Scholar
The Vallee Foundation, Inc.
Delilah Woods, expected class of 2028, is from St. Louis, Missouri. She is studying Forensic Biology at Alabama State University. In summer 2025, she completed the MedPath Program at the…
Elijah Lusk
Morehouse College
Funded by:
WFF Scholar
The Vallee Foundation, Inc.
Elijah Lusk, expected class of 2027, is from Columbia, South Carolina. He is studying Biology Pre-Med at Morehouse College. In summer 2025, he worked as a camp counselor for children…
Nicole Butler
Prairie View A&M University
Funded by:
WFF Scholar
The Vallee Foundation, Inc.
Nicole Butler, expected class of 2027, is from Spring, Texas. She is studying Health Science at Prairie View A&M University. In summer 2025, she worked as a medical assistant at…
Kaiden Drain
Grambling State University
Funded by:
WFF Scholar
Kaiden Drain, expected class of 2026, is from DeSoto, Texas. He is studying Biology with a minor in Psychology at Grambling State University. In the summer of 2025, he participated…
Ashley Anderson
Howard University
Funded by:
WFF Scholar
Washington Gas Lighting Company
Ashley Anderson, expected class of 2026, is from Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Ashley is studying Communications/Media/Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Sports Administration at Howard University. In the summer of 2025,…
Jaelyn Miri-Tatem
Howard University
Funded by:
WFF Scholar
Black Nurse Collaborative
Jaelyn Miri-Tatem, expected class of 2028, is from Camden, NJ. She is studying Nursing at Howard University. In the summer of 2025, she interned at the University of Pennsylvania and…
Kandace Bryant
Spelman College
Funded by:
WFF Scholar
The Vallee Foundation, Inc.
Kandace Bryant, expected class of 2028, is from Flossmoor, Illinois. She is studying Health Science with a minor in Music at Spelman College. In the summer of 2025, Kandace is…
Chanae Davis
Howard University
Funded by:
The Vallee Foundation, Inc.
WFF Scholar
Chanae Davis, expected class of 2027, is from Elkton, Maryland. She is studying Chemistry at Howard University. In the summer of 2025, she is working as a research intern at…
Destiny Lewis
Bowie State University
Funded by:
The Vallee Foundation, Inc.
WFF Scholar
Returning awardee Destiny Lewis, expected class of 2026, is from Owings, Maryland. She is studying Chemistry at Bowie State University. In the summer of 2025, Destiny conducted undergraduate research on…
Sanai Neblett
Hampton University
Funded by:
The Vallee Foundation, Inc.
WFF Scholar
Returning awardee Sanai Neblett, class of 2025, is from Dacula, Georgia. She is studying Psychology (Pre-Med) at Hampton University. In the summer of 2025, she participated as a VCU Pauley…
Jada Mitchell
Clark Atlanta University
Funded by:
The Vallee Foundation, Inc.
WFF Scholar
Returning awardee Jada Mitchell, expected class of 2026, is from Lancaster, Texas. She is studying Computer Science at Clark Atlanta University. In summer 2025, she completed a Calculus III course…
Toriona Coakes
Florida A&M University
Funded by:
WFF Scholar
Honorable Louis Stokes HBCU Scholarship
Toriona Coakes is the 2025 Honorable Louis Stokes HBCU Scholarship Award recipient! As the top-scoring WFF Scholar, she will receive a $6,000 scholarship instead of $5,000. Congressman Louis Stokes of…
Shelby Foulks
Hampton University
Funded by:
WFF Scholar
The Vallee Foundation, Inc.
Returning awardee Shelby Foulks, expected class of 2027, is from Laurel, Maryland. She is studying Biochemistry at Hampton University. In summer 2025, she participated in a 9-week research internship through…
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
2nd Annual
Sipping for Success - High Tea with the Ladies of the Williams-Franklin Foundation
Our 2nd Annual Ladies Tea Fundraiser was a beautiful success — a gathering filled with grace, purpose, and community spirit. We came together not only to enjoy an afternoon of elegance but to uplift and empower the next generation of HBCU leaders. This wasn’t just a tea—it was a movement. Rooted in elegance, purpose, and empowerment, this event brought together a room full of ambitious women committed to uplifting one another—and the next generation of HBCU leaders. From the nostalgic… Learn More
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