Potential needs a pathway.
Scholarships, mentorship, leadership development, and career-ready experiences for underrepresented college students building what comes next.
Who we serve
We create a lasting impact with new opportunities for underrepresented college students.
Scholarships, one-on-one mentorship, and leadership development — meeting students with resources and relationships at the moments that shape what comes next.
More than one way forward.
Support changes the route.
Students move further when funding, guidance, exposure, and community arrive at the right time.
Access
Removing barriers so more students can begin, continue, and belong.
Mentorship
One-on-one guidance that builds confidence, clarifies goals, and opens doors.
Leadership
Experiences that help students lead in their classrooms, careers, and communities.
Opportunity
Real-world exposure that turns potential into purpose and a clear next step.
Our impact
Proof of what comes next.
Projects, research, and presentations from foundation alumni — across every program and cohort.
See the impactOur founder
It began with a habit of showing up.
Dara Ashley spent a decade in leadership — mentoring high-school girls through Howard University’s MET Choice program, then 6th-grade science students in Baltimore after earning her master’s in science at Towson. Missing that connection to young minds, she founded The Dara Ashley Foundation to create a lasting impact with new opportunities for underrepresented college students.
Read our storyFind your way in.
Every student who moves forward is backed by people who chose to help. Choose yours.
Student
Apply for scholarships, mentorship, or LeadershipU.
Explore programsMentor or volunteer
Guide a student one-on-one or lend your time to a cohort.
Get involvedPartner or sponsor
Back a program or fund a cohort as an organization.
Partner with usDonor
Give directly to student opportunity, at any amount.
DonateOpen the next door.
Your support helps students reach opportunity with resources, relationships, and room to lead.
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
— Nelson Mandela