Donate

Our Mission

At the core of the Darlene Iva Wood Foundation is a simple yet powerful belief: education is the key to unlocking doors of opportunity, personal growth, and societal change. Our mission is to empower African-American students by providing scholarships that cover the essential costs of their academic materials. By focusing on the cost of books—a fundamental yet often overlooked aspect of educational expenses—we ensure that our scholars can fully immerse themselves in their studies, equipped with the resources they need to succeed.

Our Vision

We envision a future where every African-American student can pursue higher education free from the constraints of financial barriers. Our foundation looks forward to a world where our scholars lead communities, innovate industries, and champion positive change, embodying the principle that “There’s No Such Thing as Can’t.” Through education, we believe our students can become the architects of a more equitable and just society.

Our Values

Initiative

  • Be proactive
  • Perform all tasks to the best of ones ability
  • Volunteer to assist and do the hard tasks first

Curiosity

  • Desire to expand ones knowledge base about many different types of subjects
  • Genuine intrigue to learn more to better oneself

Teamwork

  • Valuing the benefit of the counsel of others
  • Respectfully working with others in the achieving of common goals

Ambition

  • Create goals and measure ones achievement in relation to the goals set
  • Drive to continue self-improvement

Achievement

  • Successfully overcoming challenges and obstacles
  • Obtaining prosperity by completing your life’s work

Our Founding Story

The Darlene Iva Wood Foundation is more than just an organization; it is a legacy. Inspired by the life and values of Darlene Iva Wood, a woman whose resilience and belief in the transformative power of education knew no bounds, our foundation was established to continue her mission of empowerment. Darlene’s mantra, “There’s No Such Thing as Can’t,” echoes in every scholarship we award, every life we touch, and every barrier we help our scholars overcome.

Darlene’s story is one of triumph over adversity, a testament to the power of determination, and an enduring belief in the potential of every individual to make a difference. In honoring her legacy, the foundation seeks not only to support students financially but to instill in them the same spirit of perseverance and excellence that Darlene embodied.

Our Impact Since 2017

Since our inception, the Darlene Iva Wood Foundation has proudly awarded over $27,000 in scholarships, supporting students in their academic journeys and beyond. But our impact is measured not just in dollars but in the stories of success, leadership, and community service that our scholars write every day. From graduates who are now making their mark in the professional world to those pursuing advanced degrees, our scholars are living proof of the power of education to change lives.

Looking Ahead: Our Goals for the Future

As we look to the future, our goals are ambitious but clear. We aim to expand our scholarship program, forge partnerships with educational institutions and organizations, and increase our support network for African-American students across the country. We are committed to raising awareness about the importance of educational equity, celebrating the achievements of our scholars, and ensuring that the legacy of Darlene Iva Wood continues to inspire and empower future generations.

Join Us

The journey toward educational equity is long, but with the support of our community, donors, and partners, the Darlene Iva Wood Foundation is poised to make a lasting impact. We invite you to join us in this mission—whether by applying for a scholarship, making a donation, or sharing our story. Together, we can ensure that “There’s No Such Thing as Can’t” becomes a reality for every student we serve.