Limited time

6/10 Scholarships still available

For students needing help with their academic success. Free to apply, no account required.

Takes about 3 minutes
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

Partners & supporters

The organizations standing with our scholars

  • University of California
  • UCLA College Corps
  • Cal Poly Pomona ENV
  • Californians For All College Corps
  • America Learns
  • 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
  • M.A.S.T.E.R.S.
  • Frenchy Digital

For students & parents

6/10 scholarships still available

Every family starts with the Academic Success Assessment: a one-time $100USD fee that opens the student's account and produces a written plan. Only once you've seen that plan do we recommend the $1,500 USD program. Applying for a scholarship is free and always will be.

  1. Pay the $100 assessment

    A one-time $100 USD fee opens the student's account on the WHD platform. That account is where their assessment information lives from day one.

  2. We run the assessment

    An advocate reads the transcript line by line, checks the academic resume for gaps, and meets with the student — and a parent or guardian for anyone under 18.

  3. We deliver the results

    You get the written gap analysis and a semester-by-semester strategic plan, walked through with your advocate and posted to the student's account.

  4. Enroll in the program — $1,500

    With the plan in hand, we recommend the level of ongoing support. Families who choose to continue enroll at the $1,500 USD program investment. There is no obligation to continue.

  5. Complete the intake form

    The Prospective Student Intake Form: student and parent details, transcript and photo, and the Policies and Student/Foundation Guarantee, signed by the student and their guardian.

  6. Your dashboard opens

    The student's dashboard unlocks with their assessment results, their tasks, their scheduled follow-ups, and the resources their advocate assigns as the plan progresses.

What the assessment is

A one-on-one review of where a student stands today and a written plan for getting them to the college of their choice.

  • Transcript & coursework analysis. An advocate reads the full transcript line by line against A–G / college-entrance requirements, flags missing or weak courses, and checks GPA trends by semester.
  • Academic resume gap check. Grades, test scores, activities, leadership, service and work are compared with what target colleges actually admit, so the student knows exactly where the gaps are.
  • Goals & fit conversation. A 45–60 minute meeting with the student (and parent or guardian for minors) about college and career goals, learning style, and what has been getting in the way.
  • Written strategic plan. A semester-by-semester plan: courses to take or retake, test-prep timing, activities to add, essay and application milestones, and financial-aid steps.
  • Program recommendation. Once the plan is delivered, we recommend the level of ongoing support (light coaching through full advocacy) and what enrolling in the program involves. No obligation to continue.

What you'll need to provide

The assessment is only as good as what we can see. Gather these before your meeting.

  • Unofficial transcriptEvery completed course and grade, 9th grade to now. A screenshot or PDF from the school portal is fine.
  • Current class scheduleSo the plan starts from the courses already in progress this semester.
  • Test scores, if anyPSAT, SAT, ACT, AP or state test results, even partial or practice scores.
  • Activities, service & workClubs, sports, leadership roles, volunteering, jobs and hours per week.
  • College & career interestsEven a rough list — dream schools, majors, or careers being considered. "Not sure yet" is a valid answer.
  • Honest self-assessmentWhere the student feels strong, where they struggle, and what support has or hasn't worked before.
  • Financial-aid pictureWhether the family expects to need aid, so the plan includes FAFSA, scholarships and cost comparisons early.
  • Parent or guardian contactRequired for students under 18. Consent is collected before any student data is stored.
  • AvailabilityDays and times the student can meet, and the best way to reach the family.

Current events

College Xploration Tour — ASU Downtown, September

MANDATORY for Fellows and K-12 CHPs

Agenda and order of CHP presentations to follow.

  • Presentation upload link (optional) — check your email or the portal for the link.
  • Zoom meeting link and passcode — check your email or the portal for details.

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.

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