Our Mission

To provide young people of color with scholarship opportunities and to create unique pathways in competitive golf and the business world.

Our Vision

Believe that young people of color who have the desire should be granted the opportunity to achieve success as business professionals and athletes in the game of golf.

Our Values

  • We are committed to respect and integrity for individuals.
  • We are committed to academic excellence and leadership.
  • We are committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • We are committed to strengthening our network that connects minority youth to educational and professional opportunities.

Our Motto

“Building Hope…One Stroke at a Time.”

About Our Late Founder, William “Bill” Dickey

Bill Dickey

Bill Dickey was born in Darby, Pennsylvania. He attended Virginia Union University on a football scholarship before entering the United State Air Force. After his honorable discharge in 1952, he moved to Phoenix Arizona. Bill attended Arizona State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics and Management. After graduation, he pursued a successful career as a real estate and insurance executive until he retired in 1981.

After retirement, in the mid 1970s, he developed an esteemed pathway in the sport of golf through the inception of the Bill Dickey Scholarship Association (BDSA) formerly known as the National Minority Junior Golf Scholarship Association (NMJGSA). Bill’s vision was to provide minority youth and opportunity to discover the sport and fundamentals of golf at an early age.

Through his vision and dedication, the BDSA has impacted the lives of more than 1,130 minority students worldwide to realize their dream of higher education by pursuing their undergraduate degrees. The BDSA has provided in excess of $3.75 million in scholarship assistance to date.

Outlined below are a few of the accolades Bill has received for his contributions to the game of golf and education for minority youth:

  • In 1991 – Bill was horned to receive the Dr. Edgar R. Updegraff Award in the state of Arizona.
  • In 1991 – The first African American to receive the Distinguished Service Award for the Professional Golf Association (PGA) an ambassador of youth around the country, uniquely positioned to both promote the game of golf and assist students in pursuit of academic excellence.
  • Bill was an exemplary leader, a tireless advocate, and mentor to youth in the game of golf.
  • In 2001 – Bill was presented with the coveted Joseph C. Dey, Jr. Award by the USGA based on his meritorious volunteer service to the game of golf.