Helping Future Generations

The Innovations Scholarship Fund Association (ISFA) was founded on the heartfelt belief that we could help young people reach their full potential. With the cost of college skyrocketing, in some cases as high as $75,000 a year, ISFA fulfills this belief by providing scholarships to graduating seniors, alumni, and children of alumni of H.D. Woodson High School in Washington, DC.
Gordon Alston, William Franklin, and Joseph Kennedy, graduates of Woodson’s class of 1980, started the Association in 2011. The scholarship is named after the school newspaper of that era—Innovations. As the name Innovations indicates, the scholarship emphasizes a blend of academics, writing, and creativity. Since our founding, we have awarded 17 scholarships to students exemplifying this ideal, thus supporting the college aspirations of some of our best and brightest young scholars.
Recently, we spoke with Randy, a 3-time scholarship recipient and recent graduate of Virginia State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Randy comes from a low-income home and expressed that “to not be able to get the financial help from family can be stressful when you have to focus on school. The Innovations Scholarship helped me focus.” We also heard from Johneese, who received scholarships in 2017 and 2018. She writes: “Being a previous Innovations Scholarship recipient has motivated me to continue my educational successes. The assistance has been gladly appreciated. I am more determined to achieve my goals. I want to be an inspiration for the upcoming generations to follow their dreams and passion.”
The stories of Randy and Johneese reassure us of our impact and motivate us to continue our work. Being a part of this year’s Combined Federal Campaign allows us to do just that. Without the support of key donors and strategic partners like you, we would not be able to meet our mission. During this time of year, you will make choices about which charities to support. There are so many deserving charities—all with missions that make a difference in the lives of people. We recognize that your decision is not easy and that what you spend your money on must hold importance to you. So, if our mission of providing scholarships to students, who have high potential and may come from very low-income families, resonates with you, please Show Some Love and make a donation to the Innovations Scholarship Fund Association—CFC#24580.
We are all in on our mission! Please join us in helping future generations.