Mission and Organization Overview

The mission of White-Williams Scholars is to prepare academically high achieving Philadelphia public high school students of limited financial means with a foundation for success in college. Last year, the organization served more than 1,000 students in most public high schools in the city. It supplies monthly stipends of $50 to $75 in return for Scholars maintaining A's and B's in their classes. Scholars use their stipends to pay for meals, school supplies and activities, college test and application fees, and other needs.

White-Williams Scholars also provides academic support services to further prepare students for college and beyond including career, writing, interviewing and financial aid workshops. Our newest program, Back on Track, launched in October of 2008 and was created to provide support to current White-Williams Scholars (stipend-receiving students) whose grades have fallen below a B in any given subject. Through the Back on Track Program, those students receive weekly or biweekly tutoring in the subject(s) that they are struggling with. The goal is to have students regain their academic eligibility with WWS within one marking period. College Connection launched in January 2007 and graduated its first class of students in May, 2010. The goal of this program is to provide students with enhanced academic training, college and career guidance, leadership development and opportunities for cultural and civic engagement throughout their four years of high school.

Quick Facts

• Board of Trustees: 15 members. President, Ed Covington
• Staff: 10 Full-Time, 6 Part-Time
• Total 2010-11 Budget: $1.6 million
• Guidelines for Student Eligibility:
  • Enrollment in Philadelphia public (non-charter) high school
  • All A and B grades
  • Family income below federal free lunch guidelines ($28,665 for a family of four)
• Financial Support: From individuals, foundations, corporations, and endowment
• Accomplishments:
  • 93rd year of providing support to Philadelphia public high school students
  • Served 1,044 students in 2009-10
• Contact: Amy T. Holdsman, Executive Director, 215-735-4480, info@wwscholars.org

• About White-Williams
• Mission and Organization Overview
• Our History
• Trustees and Staff
• White-Williams Murals