It is with profound sadness that Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars shares the passing of our Board President, Bill Kingsley.
Since joining our Board of Directors in 2019, Bill helped shape the future of our organization through thoughtful leadership, sound judgment, and an unwavering belief in our mission. He brought an incredible business mind to every conversation, helping us navigate important decisions with clarity, perspective, and steady leadership. As our organization grew and evolved, Bill’s guidance was instrumental in building a stronger foundation for the future.
More importantly, Bill believed deeply in our students. He saw their potential, believed in their dreams, and never lost sight of why this work matters. He understood that when young people are given opportunities, support, and encouragement, they can accomplish remarkable things. That belief guided every decision he made on behalf of our organization.
Bill was also a trusted mentor, a generous friend, and someone who was always willing to celebrate a success, offer thoughtful advice, or make a connection that could move our mission forward. His kindness, humor, humility, and genuine care for others left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him.
We are incredibly grateful for Bill’s years of service and the legacy he leaves behind. His impact will continue to be felt in the strength of our organization and, most importantly, in the lives of the thousands of students whose futures have been forever changed through Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars.
Our hearts are with Bill’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew and loved him during this difficult time.
“I grew up without a clue of what I wanted to do, or where I wanted to go in life, until I had the opportunity to join Dollars for Scholars my sophomore year of high school. From visiting campuses, to SAT prep, the guidance I received from the program changed my entire outlook.
“From college tours to financial aid, Dollars for Scholars has greatly impacted my path to higher education. As a first generation college student, deciding where I would want to continue my education and figuring out how I would get there was a difficult process. My family and I lacked the time and transportation necessary to visit schools, and this limited me in figuring out my future.
“When joining Dollars for Scholars, I was eager to visit colleges and earn scholarship money. Being able to look at all the different schools with other students I could relate to was so reassuring. Dollars for Scholars was able to answer my questions about the ins & outs of post-secondary education, as well assist me with applications. This extra help was so motivating.
“Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars is a life-changing program. Before high school, I was going down a path that if most kids took, they’d end up either dropping out of school or going to jail. Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars helped inspire me to get on a better path by showing me how to prepare for college. Hearing other students’ stories made me feel like I could be successful both in high school and post-secondary education.