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
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.
Contact Us
For more information about our programs, impact, or how to get involved, please contact us.
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 25 days left to raise enough for 6 more scholorships.