The Woburn Dollars for Scholars (WDFS) was established in 1957 as Woburn High Schools Scholarship Fund by a group of community minded individuals who had a common vision. Their intent was to help Woburn High School seniors pay their college tuition costs so more students could receive a higher education.

The groups' goal was to raise funds throughout the year by various means and present monetary awards at graduation to college bound seniors with a  good academic standing. The WDFS' goal has been realized every year since 1957. Since 1957 the fund has awarded over $4.0 million to 6,617 students.

Today, the group is still made up of community minded individuals with that same vision; to help students pay for the rising cost of tuition. The committee members all realize that tuition costs are keeping some very dedicated students from attending college. From educators to business people, from parents to former students, the WDFS is actively involved in the community. They conduct an annual business drive and a student run mail-a-thon each February. The Fund also has an extensive memorial and endowment program set up for individuals and businesses that want to donate in the name of a loved one, a co-worker or their business name itself. The monies collected go into various local accounts. An application process takes place in April and every student who fills out an application and completes the other criteria receives an award. This award process is done anonymously to protect the student as well as their family with only one member of the committee knowing the student's name. The amount of the award varies and is based on the amount collected by the WDFS that year as well as GPA, involvement in school and community activities and work. Other extenuating circumstances, such as an illness or the death of a parent for example, may give them a slightly larger award.

For 63 years, the Fund has been a tremendous assistance to many students. With the cost of tuition and books going up as much as they are, the awards the WDFS give out are a help to those students who apply to the Fund. As numerous students have told the group in the  thank you letters it receives, it wasn't the amount of the award, it was that someone felt they deserved recognition after all their hard work in high school and it made them want to succeed in their future years. Some students have even come back to help the WDFS by joining the group. This great attitude makes the committee feel it is all worthwhile.

All donations to the WDFS are tax deductible and the fund is an established tax-exempt 501(c)(3) as well as a partner with many colleges.