College Scholarships

Dear Scholarship Applicant:

Old Dominion (VA) Chapter, The Links Incorporated is an organization of women from Prince William and other Northern Virginia counties. We are committed to educational, cultural, and civic activities. We seek to provide programs of various enrichment experiences for those who are educationally disadvantaged and culturally deprived as well as provide support and encouragement for talented individuals. To accomplish the latter, we are committed to providing support to the youth of Prince William County through educational scholarships.

This year, Old Dominion (VA) Chapter will be awarding scholarships in the amounts of $1,250 to $2,500 to deserving students. The scholarships are as follows:

  • The Ethel L. Reaves Community Service Leadership Award ($2,500)
  • The Willa and George Dumas College Scholarship ($1,500 + $500 Sustaining Scholarship)
  • The Fannie W. Fitzgerald Educational Leadership Academic Scholarship Award ($1,250)
  • The Wilhelmina Reuben-Cooke Distinguished Educator Academic Scholarship Award ($1,250)
  • The Historically Black Colleges/Universities (HBCU) Scholarship ($1,250)

Only one application is necessary from each applicant. The scholarship and amount to be awarded will be based on criteria set by the Scholarship Committee.

Attached you can apply for our college academic scholarships for the 2023-2024 academic year using the auto-fillable form or utilizing our QR Code below. You qualify if you
  • are a graduating senior from a Prince William County high school;
  • have applied or have been accepted to a four-year college or university;
  • have at least at 3.0 grade point average;
  • show evidence of potential for success and leadership;
  • have good character; and
  • show evidence of volunteer/community service.

It should be noted that children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of members of the Links, Incorporated are ineligible to apply for one of our scholarships. Additionally, if you have received a full scholarship (academic, athletic, or military appointment), you are ineligible.

Your completed application and supportive documents should be submitted by February 24, 2023. Members of the scholarship committee will interview scholarship finalists the week of April 3, 2023 at via zoom or a location to be determined in Prince William County. Scholarship recipients will be notified the week of April 17, 2023.


**Two student zoom informational webinars are available, to receive additional information and answer your questions. Please sign up below for either webinar:
Sunday, January 29, 2023, at 4pm - Registration Link
Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 4pm – Registration Link

If you have questions, you may email me at odcscholarships@outlook.com or reach me by phone at 240-355-1191.

Sincerely,
Johnnetta Davis-Joyce
Scholarship Chair


Scholarship Fillable QR Code Image

Old Dominion (VA) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated - Scholarship Photo
The Ethel L. Reaves Community Service Leadership Award

In memory of Ethel L. Reaves, a registered nurse, who was a charter member of Old Dominion (VA) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated, we are honored to be able to offer a college scholarship in the amount of $2,500 in her name. Exemplary community service is required for this scholarship. The recipient has the choice of attending any accredited four-year college or university.


The Willa and George Dumas College Scholarship

n memory of Willa and George Dumas, who were instrumental in organizing Old Dominion (VA) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated, we are privileged to offer the only sustaining college scholarship in the amount of $1,500 this year. In addition, a $500 scholarship will be awarded to the same recipient for each of the remaining three years of enrollment at an accredited four-year college or university of choice provided that he/she continues to maintain a 3.0 GPA and demonstrates evidence of leadership and community service.


The Fannie W. Fitzgerald Educational Leadership Academic Scholarship Award

In memory and honor of Link Fannie W. Fitzgerald who was a charter member of Old Dominion (VA) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated, we are honored to be able to offer a college scholarship in the amount of $1,250. Link Fannie was a trailblazer in her community due to all of the accomplishments that she made in helping to desegregate the school system in Prince William County. She was one of the five African American teachers who was called to integrate certain elementary schools before the county fully integrated. Link Fannie served in an administrative position but returned to her love of teaching children until she retired. An elementary school is named in her honor in the County and located on the street named Benita Fitzgerald Drive which is named after her daughter—1984 Olympiad Link Benita Fitzgerald Mosley. Recipients must attend an accredited four-year college or university.


The Wilhelmina Reuben-Cooke Distinguished Educator Academic Scholarship Award

In memory and honor of Link Wilhelmina Reuben-Cooke who was a member of Old Dominion (VA) Chapter, The Links Incorporated, we are honored to be able to offer a college scholarship in the amount of $1,250. In 1963 Link Wilhelmina was one of five African American students who desegregated Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Until 1963, the university was a whiteonly school for both students and faculty alike. Known as the “First Five”, these Black undergraduate students peacefully broke segregated barriers and entered classrooms that were previously closed to Black students. Link Wilhelmina graduated in 1967 and went on to serve on the Board at Duke and also became a distinguished lawyer. In 2020 the Duke Board of Trustees announced that it would be naming its iconic west campus building after a Black pioneer for the first time in the history of the university—Wilhelmina Reuben-Cooke. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to proceed with the new name. As the current president at Duke stated, “From this day forward, anyone who passes through its doors will carry on the legacy of accomplishment, engagement, and lasting impact of Wilhelmina Ruben-Cooke.” Recipients must attend an accredited four-year college or university.


Historically Black Colleges/Universities Scholarship (HBCUs)

In recognition, respect, and love for our HBCUs, we are offering a $1,250 scholarship to an applicant who will be attending an accredited four-year HBCU. The selected applicant must meet the qualifications established by Chapter.