Williams-Franklin Foundation

Providing scholarships to HBCU students and mentoring opportunities. ®️ How many bright minds have been turned away from their dreams?

The Williams-Franklin Foundation (WFF) is a non-profit, Washington, DC based organization whose mission is to eradicate the financial limitations that prevent access to higher education and civil leadership. The WFF was founded by Howard University (HU) alumni LaShelle Williams-Franklin (1996) and Dwight Franklin (1994) in 2014. Through their foundation, the WFF provides scholarships and programs

11/01/2024

🌟 November is National Scholarship Month! At the Williams-Franklin Foundation, we believe in the power of collective action to uplift future generations. We are proud to support our talented HBCU students through scholarships, mentorships, and opportunities as they pursue their dreams and make a difference in their communities. Consider supporting our mission by donating or getting involved at https://www.wmsfranklinfoundation.org/donate. 💙

10/30/2024

HBCUs are pivotal in shaping the future of STEM by empowering and educating a significant portion of African American professionals in these fields. Their dedication to fostering talent and diversity makes a lasting impact on our world.🔬

10/28/2024

It’s giving very demure, very classy, very Black Excellence! “A Decade of Excellence!✨

Join us as we celebrate 10 years of transforming lives through education and empowerment. You won’t want to miss this unforgettable evening of giving back!

ARE. YOU. READY? Tickets go on sale November 1, 2024! Tag (3) people who you plan to bring with you!

10/26/2024

🌟 Happy Make a Difference Day—a national day dedicated to giving back through community service! At the Williams-Franklin Foundation, we believe in the power of collective action to uplift future generations. We are proud to support our talented HBCU students through scholarships, mentorships, and opportunities as they pursue their dreams and make a difference in their communities. Consider supporting our mission by donating or getting involved at https://www.wmsfranklinfoundation.org/donate. 💙

10/23/2024

Continuous learning is essential for professional growth. Workshops are a great way to stay ahead in your field and continuously enhance your skill set. Here are some tips on leveraging workshops for your development:

Identify Areas for Improvement: Understand which skills you need to develop and look for workshops that address those areas.
✔️ Participate Actively: Engage fully in workshops. Ask questions, participate in discussions, and take notes.
✔️ Apply What You Learn: Immediately implement the skills and knowledge you gain from workshops in your daily tasks.
✔️ Network with Participants: Workshops are great places to meet like-minded individuals. Exchange contact information and stay in touch.
✔️ Seek Feedback: After completing a workshop, ask for feedback from peers or mentors to understand how you can further improve.

10/21/2024

Your voice is your power! As young adults, you have the opportunity to shape the future through your vote. Voting is a simple yet impactful way to participate in our democracy and influence the decisions that will affect your lives and communities. To find out where you can vote and learn about your polling place and absentee ballots, visit vote.org. Every vote counts!

10/19/2024

On this month's 'Who Attended an HBCU?', where we spotlight pivotal HBCU students to raise awareness for the importance of supporting these institutions, we're celebrating the marvelous Toni Morrison!

A Nobel Prize-winning author and Pulitzer Prize winner, Morrison attended Howard University, where she developed her literary talents and explored themes of African American identity and culture. Her powerful storytelling and profound insights have made a lasting impact on the Black community and the world, addressing the complexities of race, identity, and history.

Join us in recognizing her influential contributions to literature and culture, and the vital role HBCUs play in nurturing visionary leaders. ✊🏾

10/17/2024

⭐ With the Williams-Franklin Foundation, every donation creates ripples of change, opening doors for students in need. Together, we're not just funding education, we're transforming lives. Donate today and help change the trajectory of a student's life. www.wmsfranklinfoundation.org/donate/

10/14/2024

Indigenous Peoples' Day honors the rich history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across the Americas. It's a day to recognize and celebrate the resilience, strength, and lasting legacy of Native communities, while acknowledging the harm caused by colonization. This days serves as a meaningful alternative to Columbus Day, recognizing the need to address past injustices and shifts the focus to the true first inhabitants of the land.

10/14/2024

HBCUs have always been about inclusion, welcoming students from all backgrounds to enrich their vibrant communities. 🌟

10/10/2024

It's 10/10 and the perfect time to sign up for WFF's "10 for 10 Alumni Fund"! You can make a difference in a student's life with just $10 a month. Your ongoing support helps provide scholarships and open doors for these students. 🎓 Donate here: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/J380BQ?vid=16p8a9

10/09/2024

Tomorrow is World Mental Health Day! 🌿 Join us in recognizing the importance of mental well-being. Stay tuned for details on our upcoming November 10 webinar, where we'll dive deeper into mental health awareness.

10/07/2024

🚨 Today is the last day to register to vote.🚨

Your voice is your power! As young adults, you have the opportunity to shape the future through your vote. Registering to vote is a simple yet impactful way to participate in our democracy and influence the decisions that will affect your lives and communities. To find out where you can register to vote and learn about your polling place and absentee ballots, visit vote.org. Every vote counts!

10/06/2024

Hey WFF family! Please join us for our first IG Live Webinar of the season!! We are super excited to kick off this virtual series. his Homecoming Special webinar will feature our WFF alumni, diving into the ins and outs of navigating life as an HBCU undergraduate. Join us as they share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs, offering valuable insights into the unique journey of an HBCU student. Our IG handle is provided below and we cannot wait to see you on the live with us!

📅 Sunday Oct. 13th, 2024 5pm – 5:45pm EST
📍 IG Live:

10/05/2024

Happy World Teachers' Day! 🌟 Today, we celebrate and honor the incredible educators who shape the futures of students, especially those at HBCUs.

Their dedication to fostering academic excellence, cultural pride, and personal growth empowers students to achieve their full potential and make a meaningful impact on their communities.

Photos from Williams-Franklin Foundation's post 10/04/2024

We want to take a moment to express our deep appreciation for the
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute CURE at Dana Farber/Harvard Cancer Center! 🙏🏾 Every summer, this incredible institution opens its doors to our WFF awardees and friends, providing hands-on experience and valuable insight into groundbreaking medical procedures and projects.

This year, awardees Destiny Lewis, Sa'Mya Dolison, and Masai Jenkins had the incredible opportunity to intern, gaining invaluable experience in the medical field.

As we look ahead to November, we’re excited to announce the upcoming launch of their 2025 internship program! If you’re looking for a meaningful way to gain experience in the medical field, keep an eye out for this amazing opportunity! 🌟

10/03/2024

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – a time to honor the strength and raise awareness of the countless women affected by this disease. Breast cancer affects our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, and daughters. In the Black community, we must stand united in raising awareness, advocating for early detection, and fighting for equitable care. Together, we can inspire hope, uplift one another, and work towards a future where every woman has the chance to thrive. 💗

10/02/2024

Dwight and LaShelle had the opportunity to attend the HBCU "Battle of the Bands" to support the talented Joshua Wallington, a remarkable student funded by The Vallee Foundation.

These marching bands showcase the vibrant spirit and exceptional talent of HBCU students, bringing life to sporting events and celebrating our culture. We're proud to cheer on Joshua and all the amazing musicians who represent the heart of HBCUs! 🙌🏾💚💛

10/01/2024

Your voice is your power! As young adults, you have the opportunity to shape the future through your vote. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark achievement in our fight for equality, aiming to eliminate racial discrimination in voting and ensuring that every American has the right to participate in our democracy. Registering to vote is a simple yet impactful way to honor this legacy and influence decisions that will affect your lives and communities. To find out where you can register to vote and learn about your polling place and absentee ballots, visit vote.org.

Photos from Williams-Franklin Foundation's post 09/30/2024

Celebrating Homecoming at our legendary HBCUs! 🎉 Homecoming is more than a tradition—it's a tribute to the rich legacy, unity, and pride of our HBCU communities. From cherished rituals to alumni reunions, these events reconnect us with our roots and celebrate our enduring legacy.

Comment your school's homecoming tradition below!

09/27/2024

Your voice is your power! As young adults, you have the opportunity to shape the future through your vote. Registering to vote is a simple yet impactful way to participate in our democracy and influence the decisions that will affect your lives and communities. To find out where you can register to vote and learn about your polling place and absentee ballots, visit vote.org. Every vote counts!

09/23/2024

On this month's 'Who Attended an HBCU?', where we spotlight pivotal HBCU students to raise awareness for the importance of supporting these institutions, we're celebrating the incredible Taraji P. Henson! 🎭

A graduate of Howard University, Taraji P. Henson is a powerhouse actress known for her captivating performances in film and television. Her roles in movies like ""Hidden Figures"" and ""The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,"" along with her iconic portrayal of Cookie Lyon in the hit TV series ""Empire,"" have made her a beloved figure in entertainment. Beyond her acting prowess, Taraji is an advocate for mental health awareness and a champion for the underrepresented in Hollywood.

Join us in recognizing her influential contributions to film and culture, and the vital role HBCUs play in nurturing leaders. ✊🏾

09/21/2024

Making a difference in the lives of others is the true measure of impact. We believe that giving back and supporting others is an essential part of life here on Earth. At WFF, we are committed to uplifting and empowering future leaders through education and support.

Read more about our journey to create lasting change at www.wmsfranklinfoundation.org

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Our Story

The Williams-Franklin Foundation (WFF) is a non-profit, Washington, DC based organization whose mission is to eradicate the financial limitations that prevent access to higher education and civil leadership. The WFF was founded by Howard University (HU) alumni LaShelle Williams-Franklin (1996) and Dwight Franklin (1994) in 2014.

Through their foundation, the WFF provides scholarships and programs to HU students of limited means. Award recipients demonstrate the hard work, commitment and perseverance necessary to attain their highest academic potentials despite financial hardship, socioeconomic status and environmental factors. These truly exceptional students possess “True Grit” and use the challenges they face to fuel their passion for success.

The Daunting Odds Students Face

While innovation and resilience are necessary to thrive in a global economy, higher education is essential. It serves as a launching pad to success and can change the financial wealth, career trajectories and legacies of generations to come. Unfortunately, rising costs, high debt and limited means often place unbearable restraints on a student’s ability to attain this key commodity. As the cost of higher education continues to rise, many qualified students are forced to drop out of college or refrain from pursuing it in the first place because they simply cannot afford to do so.

Recent studies show the national average for students graduating from a 4-year college or university within 6 years is 59%. Within the African American community, the national average is an alarming 42% (Journalist Resource). More disappointing is that Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's) tend to graduate students of color at a rate of 30% within 6 years (University of Pennsylvania). Howard University has a much higher graduation rate of 64%, but lags behind the #1 ranked HBCU, Spelman College at 79% (The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education).

How many bright minds have been turned away from their dreams? How many promising futures have been destroyed? How long shall we stand by and watch this occur?

Lack of Money Should Never be a Barrier to Higher Education

There is much work to be done to improve our institutions. Expensive college costs, restrictive loan programs and insufficient endowment funds, particularly at HBCUs, are major deterrents to an impoverished student’s ability to graduate from college. Despite a family’s strong work ethic and vision



for the future, their child may never attend college. If the child gets to college, he or she may be forced to drop out and will be less likely to return.

Those with the good “fortune” to enter and complete college tend to question their “fortunes” when graduating with tremendous debt. These circumstances present overwhelming difficulties to those who seek to prosper and live well-balanced, fulfilling lives.


What We Can Do

Howard University has a legacy of graduating students that have succeeded in many professional disciplines in areas that may have seemed impossible, but for the students’ “True Grit”. The Williams-Franklin Foundation wants to continue that legacy with financial support for current and future Howard University students.

As Howard University graduates and founders of the Williams-Franklin Foundation, Dwight and LaShelle recognize the vital importance not only of graduating college, but in doing so with limited or no debt. HU alumni, partners and supporters are our greatest resources to reach our fundraising goal of $1 million by 2019 for HU scholarships. We will work diligently with our contributors, inspiring them to reach back as we move forward.

With our support, Howard University’s legacy of excellence can and will continue.

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