William H. Douglas Foundation

The path to college, walked together.

We're committed to a world where students can attend the college of their choice — regardless of their socio-economic background — through access, information, and resources.

WHD scholars on a college visit

Our mission

Unlocking social mobility and economic freedom

We engage with students where they are — inspiring self-agency, motivation, awareness, and drive. Delivering access, information, and resources, WHD is creating a world where scholars can attend the college of their choice regardless of their socioeconomic background.

Access

We meet students where they are and open doors to the colleges and futures they dream of.

Information

Clear guidance on admissions, financial aid, and the whole road to acceptance.

Resources

Advocates, tours, and tools that turn ambition into acceptance letters.

What we do

Programs that build bridges to college

College Access

An after-school program centered on transcript analysis — pinpointing gaps in a student's academic resume and building a strategic plan — plus essay review, application help, and career guidance.

College Fellowships

Meaningful service-learning that builds leadership skills and a strong sense of civic responsibility.

Xploration Tours

Five annual fully-customized campus tours — curated itineraries, faculty meetings, and dining-hall life with campus ambassadors.

Intern Workshops

Internships matched to students' interests — professional skills, contacts, and introductions to employers offering part-time and career roles.

Ancient High Culture

A curriculum exploring the world's first civilizations — helping students connect who they are with their history and culture for healthier life outcomes.

Scholars on an Xploration campus tour

Meet our scholars

Real students, real acceptances

Cajon High School, Class of 2024 · Political Science & Social Justice Advocate

He engaged with WHD early in his senior year with a college tour to UCSB, then worked one-on-one on his college essays. A talented stilt walker who teaches the craft's history across his community, he advocated for his school swimming team before the district — helping win a sizable contribution for new equipment and a future pool.

  • Dancers in traditional dress at an Ancient High Culture event
  • Scholars together on a campus Xploration tour
  • Scholars examining an exhibit on a program field trip
  • Scholars tutoring peers through the Pay It Forward program
  • A scholar presenting their research exhibit
  • WHD scholars and advocates together

Free tool

Explore any career — free, no account

Explore careers — free

Search any career to see what it involves, the education it takes, and its outlook. Open to everyone — no account needed.

WHD advocates and scholars

Who was William H. Douglas?

Education, determination, and perseverance

Mr. William H. Douglas, Jr. (1924–1995) grew up working the cotton fields of Henderson County, Tennessee. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943, earned an honorable discharge and numerous medals, then settled in South Los Angeles, earned his GED, and studied mechanical drawing and tool design. His life epitomizes the spirit and heart of this Foundation — and the belief that every scholar can step into their greatness.

His legacy lives on through our advocates — highly motivated, many of them graduates of our Academy — who bring firsthand knowledge of the hard work it takes to guide a successful scholar.

Testimonials

What families and partners say

Our expectations were exceeded. The recruitment package was state-of-the-art, attractive and effective. It created more college offers than we thought possible.
Partner school
If it were not for WHD's assistance, Dheaven would not have over a dozen university acceptances. Ms. Douglas's gentle demand for excellence helped her step into her greatness at a whole new level.
Scholar's family
Your organization has been there from day one to guide him through everything. I highly recommend your service to any high school student looking to attend college.
Parent

Opportunities

Scholarships, fly-ins & aid — happening now

  • For 2026–27, WPF is offering one $5,000 and four $2,500 scholarships — check eligibility and apply.
  • Learn the FAFSA process and submit your form for federal aid. Questions? Schedule a call with us.
  • Yale Community Day fly-in (Oct. 2–4) and a Smith College fall fly-in — WHD nominates scholars.
  • The Alliance of Black Women Accountants is offering up to $5,000 for finance students.

Partners & supporters

The organizations standing with our scholars

  • University of California
  • Cal Poly Pomona ENV
  • National Association for College Admission Counseling
  • Western Association for College Admission Counseling
  • PNC Foundation
  • REDF
  • California Association of Nonprofits
  • First Citizens Bank
  • Rev Hub Orange County
  • KRST Unity Center
  • Black Wall Street

Get involved

Join us — as a scholar or a partner

Students

Curious, motivated, and committed to improving your life through education? Apply to our program. We give real talk and real answers about admissions from start to finish — and help you stand out and increase representation on campuses across the country.

Apply / sign in

Partners

The right partners are crucial to our scholars' success. We select ethical, trustworthy partners who share our vision — advocating, generating financial support, creating access, and delivering tools and resources.

Become a partner

Help a scholar reach the college of their choice.

Your support funds tours, advising, and fellowships — building bridges and mutual respect across the post-secondary admissions community.

215 South Robertson Blvd. #307, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
A WHD scholar