About Us
At the Woodward Hines Education Foundation (WHEF), we know the path to and through college isn’t easy, especially in Mississippi. But we also know what’s possible when systems are aligned, support is strategic, and students are seen.
Originally founded to manage a college loan portfolio, WHEF has grown into one of Mississippi’s most trusted leaders in postsecondary access and success. Today, we are a grantmaker, program provider, policy partner, and research convener—removing barriers and creating opportunity at every level of the education system.
We serve all learners, with particular commitment to those historically left out of opportunity—first-generation students, returning adults, rural communities, military-connected individuals, and justice-impacted learners. Through direct service and partnerships, we connect people, data, and resources to make education beyond high school more accessible—and completion more likely.
Our impact spans individuals and institutions. We provide hands-on guidance through Get2College, support community colleges, universities, and nonprofits with grant funding. We provide hands-on guidance through Get2College, support community colleges and nonprofits with funding, and partner with state agencies to align systems around a shared goal. We work at the intersection of equity, research, and systems change—because moving Mississippi forward requires action at every level.
Ascent to 55% is Mississippi’s statewide goal to increase the number of working-age adults with a postsecondary degree or credential to 55% by 2030 and 60% by 2035. For WHEF, it’s more than a number—it’s a vision that guides our investments in students, institutions, and systems that expand opportunity and strengthen the state’s workforce.
Working alongside partners such as Accelerate Mississippi and the Mississippi Economic Council, we support practical, equity-driven strategies that help more Mississippians enroll, persist, and complete. Progress is already underway, and through shared commitment and collective action, the state is moving closer to this bold goal.
“This work is about creating the conditions where success is possible—where students are seen, supported, and given a real chance to thrive.”
– Jim McHale, President and CEO, Woodward Hines Education Foundation
Mission
To expand equitable access to and completion of postsecondary credentials, certificates, and degrees that lead to meaningful employment for more Mississippians.
Vision
We envision a Mississippi where all people can access and secure the training and education beyond high school that will allow them to enhance their quality of life, strengthen their communities, and contribute to a vibrant and prosperous future for our state.
Integrity in Our Actions
We commit to honest work that respects and strengthens the well-being of our grantees, community, coworkers, and partners.
Core Values
Collaboration
We recognize that our work has greater impact when we work alongside others and cultivate partnerships that allow us to both lead and follow.
Valuing All People
We respect each person’s unique background, experiences, and perspective, aligning our policies and resources so that all people have genuine opportunities to thrive.
Courageous Communication
We candidly and courageously share what we learn with others to serve as advocates and drive systems change.
Excellence
We commit to continuous learning and the highest standards so that WHEF is synonymous with quality, best practices, and trustworthiness.
Educational Equity
We are committed to serving all Mississippians and believe that people of every race, identity, income level, and circumstance deserve equal opportunity to access the resources and support to secure postsecondary success.
Impact Report
WHEF is committed to transparency and accountability. Every two years, we publish an Impact Report that shares our progress, outcomes, and lessons learned. The report highlights how our work—across direct service, grantmaking, partnerships, and advocacy—is helping Mississippi move closer to its statewide attainment goal, Ascent to 55%.
The Impact Report reflects more than numbers. It tells the story of students, families, and institutions working together to expand opportunity and strengthen communities across the state.
Strategic Plan
Our 2023–2028 Strategic Plan, Elevating Mississippi to a Higher Degree, sharpens WHEF’s focus on helping more Mississippians access, persist in, and complete education beyond high school—and connect that achievement to family-sustaining careers.
The plan is anchored in Ascent to 55%, Mississippi’s statewide goal for 55 percent of working-age adults to hold a postsecondary credential by 2030. It lays out how WHEF will get there:
Direct Service – Standardizing and scaling Get2College’s college access and success support.
Capacity Building – Expanding training for educators, institutions, and partners to sustain a college-going culture.
Grantmaking – Investing in evidence-based practices and programs that improve persistence and completion.
Policy and Advocacy – Elevating policy change as a core function, with a focus on financial aid, counseling and advising, and adult education.
Research, Evaluation, and Learning – Measuring outcomes rigorously, learning from practice, and sharing results transparently.
Underlying this plan is WHEF’s Theory of Change—a framework that links our activities to the outcomes Mississippi needs, from increased access to higher education to a stronger state economy.
