The White-Williams Scholars serves needy and talented students in the Philadelphia schools. It is one of the oldest charitable organizations in the country, founded in 1800 as the Magdalen Society of Philadelphia. The organization shifted its focus in 1917 from rehabilitation to prevention of delinquency. It provided counseling in the schools, and training for counselors, as well as financial assistance. Eventually, the school district took over the responsibility for counseling. In 1918, the organization changed its name to the White-Williams Foundation to honor two of the original founders, Bishop William White and George Williams. The name changed again in 1994 to White-Williams Scholars, as it is known today, to recognize the current mission of supporting high-achieving secondary school students with weekly stipends.
From the description of White-Williams Scholars records, 1800-2001. (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). WorldCat record id: 79866249
