“Education is the most powerful weapon
which you can use to change the world.”

–Nelson Mandela

About Us

We are dedicated to the development and advancement of our youth.

Why we do it

In Loving Memory of Kay Williams
Kay D. Williams was born and raised in Akron, Ohio. She and Frank D. Williams married in 1965. They would spend the next eighteen years together raising their three sons, Todd, Frank, and Tobias until her untimely death in 1983. The scholarship fund is given in the name of the late Kay D. Williams, loving wife, mother, and friend. Kay exemplified academic excellence, good will, and kindness to all who encountered her. This fund honors her and her legacy by providing for those in need.
Williams Challenge Scholarship Fund

The Williams Challenge is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing educational assistance to aspiring low-income students. The goal of our scholarship fund is to continually build our community through providing opportunities to our youth and adults alike. We all deserve the opportunity to be productive citizens. Through our foundation, we are making an effort to build a brighter future for deserving young people.

Since 2007, we have been awarding scholarships to one female and one male high school senior each year in Summit County, Ohio. The recipients are high acheivers both in the classroom and in the community. Our scholarships have allowed the recipients to continue their education at some of the major universities throughout the country. We take great pride in knowing that we have contributed to the building of a legacy not only for these young people, but for their families as well. We hope that through our efforts not only are these individuals able to be empowered and uplifted, but that they bring that same spirit of giving to their families and communities.

Our Philosophy

The gift of giving extends far beyond those who give and receive. It is a rewarding experience for those who give, and a learning experience that we can build upon for those who receive. The spirit of giving allows us to touch those who may be less fortunate financially, but simply need an opportunity to shine. However, it doesn't stop there. We believe that through our charitable organization we can build a community (reestablish the philosophy) where the sum is greater than any one part.

Through charitable giving, the community benefits as much as the individual. The individual receives the gift, but the community begins to build the spirit of what it means to help one another. The right individual understands that the gift that they received helped them reach goals that were otherwise out of reach. In turn, the philosophy is that they will then give more down the line when they've established themselves. Let us embark on this journey together - each one, teach one.

29%
College Graduates 29% of African Americans 25 and older had a bachelor's degree or higher in 2019.
15%
Reading Levels 15% of African American eighth graders score at or above the proficient level.
64%
Family PovertyBlack students from families living in poverty, 64% have parents whose education level is less than high school.
$27K
Average Income The median income for Black families is $27,000 a year less than the national median income.

Message from the President

Williams Challenge sincerely thanks all supporters who have helped us realize our mission to area youth. Your support has helped provide scholarships through the Akron Urban League. Our mission is to help offset college expenses and make a positive difference in the lives of youth through financial assistance, promoting excellence in education, sports, community services, and spirituality. Williams Challenge scholarships are funded primarily through its golf fundraiser held each year in June. We invite you to participate in this annual event which is fun for every skill level of golf. Other funding sources include private and corporate donations, and hole sponsorship.

Frank D. Williams, President

Events

Join us on June 7, 2024 for the annual golf tournament.

Donate

Help light the road to success for someone today!

Make a donation today

We encourage you to consider making a donation today. The income disparity has reached new porportions and one of the best ways to combat that discrepancy is through education of our youth. The Williams Challenge Scholarship Fund is dedicated to our youth and hope that you find us a worthy cause. Every dollar of your donation is tax deductible. We also would like for you to check with your employer to see if they have a matching funds program.

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Sponsors

Our sponsors have made a huge difference for us.

Some of our sponsors

We are fortunate to have both individual and corporate sponsors who commit to us each and every year. We could not continue to provide scholarships to local youth without their support. We have been fortunate to have annual commitments from individual sponsors like Rodney Neal. We also receive corporate contributions from The Help Button.