Mentor Matching

Give the Gift of Guidance

Guiding Scholars to Success

One of the most valuable resources the Williams-Franklin Foundation offers to our scholars is the Mentor Matching Program. This program pairs students with experienced professionals in their field or university who can provide guidance and support on their academic and career paths. Our mentors share their insights, help students navigate academic challenges, and connect them with industry opportunities. This personalized mentorship fosters a supportive community, ensuring that each student can maximize their potential and achieve their goals.

How Mentors Help

At WFF, we aim to pair our WFF Scholars with mentors willing to share their wisdom, support, and experience. Our mentor program fosters trusting relationships between WFF Scholars and community members who are champions for their success.

Academic and Career Support

Our mentors assist scholars in navigating their educational paths and achieving their career objectives through personalized advice.

Professional Networking

Mentors help scholars build robust professional networks, connecting them with valuable industry contacts and opportunities.

Skill Development

By encouraging healthy study habits and effective time management, mentors help students enhance their academic performance and productivity.

Personal Growth and Engagement

Regular interactions and planned activities foster strong mentor-mentee relationships, promoting personal growth and motivation.

Hear From Our Mentors

Working with the mentee was a unique experience. We quickly established a connection based on going to rival schools. However, that was a friendly banter, helping with conversations as they prepared for internships, medical school, and finals. Sometimes, just encouragement and a listening ear were the most valuable tools. Mentorship is one of the unsung parts of this program; besides scholarship money only, it is expanding my networks as a future leader.

Brian Terry

Sr. Director of Sales, Retail Nordic Naturals® WFF Board Member

I’m grateful to the WFF for matching me with such an ambitious, bright and engaged student. Though many mentorships develop organically through existing relationships, WFF’s intentionality behind pairing students and mentors whose interests, backgrounds and ambitions align makes the program particularly special. That mentee-centric approach promotes continued support of the mentee over time and I applaud WFF for their efforts. On a personal note, it has been a joy getting to know and supporting my mentee. The relationship is mutually fulfilling and important

Tasha Hutchins

Director of Practical Law Corporate and M&A Service at Thomson Reuters

I chose to be a mentor because we all need advice on how to navigate even with all the tools. Seeing Demarco reach his goals and aspirations is amazing to me!

Kevin Hawkins

I have completely enjoyed being a mentor to WFF Scholar Déja Daniel. I remember as a student how challenging it was to navigate both college and my professional life without assistance. To say the least, it was challenging. Deja and I meet on a regular basis with the hope that she can not only use my network, but be inspired to expand her own network. I am very grateful that the Williams Franklin Foundation has given me such a wonderful opportunity.

Judge Sherry Beatty-Arthur

Superior Court of the District of Columbia

Become a Mentor!

We invite passionate and compassionate individuals who meet the following criteria to apply to be a mentor for our exceptional WFF scholars. Our awardees attend HBCUs as undergraduate students and represent a wide variety of fields of study, experiences, and backgrounds. Even if you do not have experience as a mentor, please do not hesitate to apply as you may be the perfect match for one of our scholars!

Traits of a WFF Mentor

We are seeking mentors age 22 or older with a can-do attitude who will:

Encourage healthy study habits and time management skills;
Support students in achieving their academic and career objectives;
Assist students with creating a viable professional network;
Engage students by phone or email once a month;
Schedule 1-2 activities with students per semester; and
Commit to mentoring a paired WFF Scholar for at least one year.

Professionals who possess qualities such as transparency, responsiveness, accountability, and expertise in relevant fields are a huge asset to our program and we hope you’ll consider participating.

Mentor-Matching For 2025

During the 2023-2024 program year, we paired seven awardees with mentors sharing similar career interests, experiences, and passions. Applications for the 2025-2026 program year will open in Summer 2025. Even if you’ve never mentored before, you could be the perfect match for one of our scholars. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the next generation of leaders.

Let's Talk

Contact Us

For more information about our programs, impact, or how to get involved, please contact us.

Reach Out Today

Scholar Success Stories

Hear directly from our past WFF scholars about how the mentor program has transformed their academic and professional journeys. Watch these inspiring video testimonials to see the profound impact of our scholarship and mentorship initiatives.

Help Us Reach Our Goal

Our Goal is to raise enough for 26 scholorships before December 31, 2024. With 20 already created this year, we only have 4 days left to raise enough for 6 more scholorships.