Celebrating 19 exceptional HBCU students whose passion, perseverance, and purpose are shaping the future of their communities
Each year, the Williams-Franklin Foundation is honored to invest in the next generation of leaders by supporting outstanding students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Our 2026 scholarship recipients represent a remarkable group of scholars whose dedication to academic excellence, leadership, and service reflects the values at the heart of our mission. While they come from diverse backgrounds and pursue a wide range of career paths, they share a common commitment to creating meaningful change in their communities and professions.
We are proud to introduce this year’s scholarship awardees and celebrate the unique journeys, aspirations, and achievements that have brought them to this moment. Through the support of our generous donors and community partners, these students are one step closer to reaching their goals and making a lasting impact on the world. We invite you to meet the incredible scholars who make up the Williams-Franklin Foundation’s 2026 scholarship class.
Allison J. Burgess
“The WFF Scholarship Award has made a meaningful impact on my educational journey, especially as I prepare to transfer and continue pursuing my goal of becoming a veterinarian. This support not only eases the financial transition between institutions but also allows me to stay focused on building the academic foundation and hands on experience required in the veterinary field. As I move into this next chapter, the scholarship provides stability, confidence, and the opportunity to fully engage in the coursework, mentorship, and campus involvement that will shape me into a successful future veterinarian.” – Allison J. Burgess
Alysia-Renee Surrell
“Receiving the Williams-Franklin Foundation scholarship has made a tremendous impact on my educational journey by allowing me to focus on succeeding at Howard University instead of worrying about how I will afford to survive on campus. As a student committed to maintaining a 4.0 GPA, serving in leadership roles, and preparing for law school, this support has lifted a significant financial burden and given me the peace of mind to fully invest in my education. Instead of constantly stressing about basic expenses, I have been able to dedicate my time and energy to my academics, professional development, and opportunities that will help me achieve my long-term goals. More than financial assistance, this scholarship has given me the confidence to pursue my education knowing that someone believes in my potential and is investing in my future.” – Alysia-Renee Surrell
Anesa Caskey
“The Williams Franklin Foundation scholarship will allow me to continue my education journey. Once I get my Bachelor of Science degree in psychology I will go to graduate school to get my masters in clinical psychology.” – Anesa Caskey
Caleyah Brooks
“Receiving the Williams-Franklin Foundation scholarship makes a massive difference in my life. It takes a huge financial burden off my shoulders, allowing me to stay focused on maintaining my 4.0 GPA, serving my community, leading as Chapter President of Phi Alpha, while staying active in my other campus organizations. This support means so much more than just helping me pay for school; it directly fuels my dream of getting my Master’s in Social Work and eventually opening a private therapy practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for youth in underserved areas. I am so incredibly grateful to the Williams-Franklin Foundation for investing in my future and helping me reach my goals.” – Caleyah Brooks
Camara Haynes
“The WFF Scholarship Award will impact my educational journey by defraying the cost of my tuition and giving me the time to build my portfolio, stay involved in my student organizations, and pursue the internships I need to graduate ready for a career in Product Design Engineering.” – Camara Haynes
Chanae Davis
“Receiving the WFF scholarship would have a meaningful impact on my educational journey by easing the financial burden of college, allowing me to focus more on my studies and career goals. This support would bring me one step closer to earning my degree and making a positive difference in my community.” – Chanae Davis
Delilah Woods
“The Williams Franklin Foundation has already made a tremendous impact on my educational journey. As a recipient during the 2025 to 2026 academic year, this scholarship has eased the financial burden of college and allowed me to invest more of my time and energy into opportunities that support both my personal growth and career aspirations.” – Delilah Woods
Donte Abney
“The WFF scholarship provides the essential financial support required to pursue my educational path, which includes earning both a PhD in Robotics Engineering and a Doctorate in Education. By helping to alleviate the burden of tuition and other related academic expenses, this scholarship allows me to focus fully on my research at Clark Atlanta University and beyond.” – Donte Abney
Isabella Boyles
“The scholarship will allow me to reach my full potential with less financial burdens.” – Isabella Boyles
Kandace Bryant
“The Williams-Franklin Foundation Scholarship is helping me pursue my education with greater confidence and focus by easing the financial burden of college. As a Health Science major at Spelman College with aspirations of becoming a physician-scientist, this support allows me to invest more time in research, leadership, and service while working toward a future dedicated to advancing health equity and improving lives.” – Kandace Bryant
Kayaria Love
“The WFF scholarship really helps me a lot on my educational journey. It takes a big financial weight off my shoulders so I can focus more on school and my CNA training. Being able to put my energy into learning and getting hands-on experience in the hospital means a lot to me, especially as I work toward my nursing goals.” – Kayaria Love
Laila West
“Receiving the Williams Franklin Foundation scholarship will have a meaningful impact on my educational journey by reducing the financial burden of pursuing my Mechanical Engineering degree at North Carolina A&T State University. It will allow me to devote more time to academics, undergraduate research, leadership opportunities, and mentoring younger students instead of worrying about educational expenses.” – Laila West
Leonard Anderson
“Receiving the Williams-Franklin Foundation Scholarship has had a tremendous impact on my educational journey. As an Aerospace Engineering major at Tuskegee University, my coursework is rigorous and demands a significant amount of time for studying, tutoring, and hands-on learning. This scholarship helps reduce the financial burden on my family, allowing me to focus more fully on my education instead of worrying about how to cover college expenses.” – Leonard Anderson
Mateo Lewis
“The Williams-Franklin Foundation has strengthened my belief in what is possible. As a first-generation student who has had to lead through uncertainty, this scholarship reminds me that resilience means continuing to swing for the fences, while moving closer to my goals and encouraging others along the way.” – Mateo Lewis
Ranye’ Holmes
“The William Franklin Foundation Scholarship is more than an investment in my education, it’s an investment in my purpose. It empowers me to pursue my goals at Morehouse College while preparing me to create opportunities and expand financial literacy in communities like the one that raised me.” – Ranye’ Holmes
Reagan Bussey
“Receiving the Williams Franklin Foundation Scholarship eases my financial burden, allows me to focus on achieving my educational and career goals, and allows me to give back to my community by inspiring young minds.” – Reagan Bussey
Shelby Foulks
“Receiving this scholarship for now the third year in a row has lifted a tremendous financial burden off me and my family! I am so very grateful to the WFF for investing in my future and will make the WFF family very proud!” – Shelby Foulks
Syniah Driver
“The impact that the HBCU Williams-Franklin Foundation Scholarship has on my educational journey is truly life-changing. It provides my family with financial relief and eases the burden of college expenses, allowing me to focus on my education rather financial stress. Because of your generosity, I am one step closer to achieving my dream of attending the Prairie View A&M University College of Nursing debt-free, without taking on additional student loans.” – Syniah Driver
Thabhelo Duve
“The WFF scholarship award makes a meaningful difference in my educational journey by reducing the financial pressure of completing my degree and allowing me to focus more fully on my academic, technical, and leadership goals. This support helps me continue investing time in my coursework, startup work, open-source contributions, and volunteer teaching without possibly having to drop out with one semester left.” – Thabhelo Duve
Congratulations to each of our 2026 Williams-Franklin Foundation scholarship recipients! Your hard work, determination, and commitment to excellence have earned you this well-deserved recognition, and we are honored to be part of your journey. We look forward to watching you grow as leaders, innovators, and changemakers who will make a lasting impact in your communities and beyond.
To our donors, sponsors, and supporters, thank you for making these scholarships possible. Your generosity is helping remove barriers, open doors, and empower the next generation of HBCU graduates to pursue their dreams with confidence. Together, we are standing in the gap, fueling futures, and investing in a brighter tomorrow.
