FORT LAUDERDALE, FL –– The Fort Lauderdale (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has deepened its commitment to education with an $11,000 contribution to its endowed scholarship fund at Florida Memorial University (FMU), a historically Black university in Miami Gardens, Florida. This latest contribution brings the total fund to over $25,000, further strengthening the chapter’s efforts to address the critical shortage of Black male educators by providing financial support to students pursuing degrees in education.
Members of the Fort Lauderdale (FL) Chapter attended FMU’s 146th Founders’ Day Dinner on March 20, 2025, where Chapter President Sylvia Sloane Jones formally presented the check to Interim President William McCormick. The donation will sustain the endowed scholarship, which will award an annual $1,000 scholarship to an African American male student from Broward County studying education at FMU.
“We are deeply grateful to the Fort Lauderdale Chapter of The Links, Incorporated for their continued generosity and steadfast commitment to supporting Black males in education. With their recent $11,000 contribution, their Endowed Scholarship Portfolio now exceeds $25,000, which is an extraordinary investment in the future of our students and a reflection of their dedication to empowering the next generation of Black male leaders,” said McCormick. “As South Florida’s only Historically Black College and University (HBCU), we are deeply appreciative of community partners like The Links, whose ongoing support helps us provide life-changing opportunities for our students. This endowed scholarship will not only ease the financial burden for deserving awardees but also inspire them to give back through community service and leadership.”
“With Black men representing less than 2% of the nation’s teaching workforce, we recognize the urgent need to invest in future educators who will serve as role models for generations to come,” said Sylvia Sloane Jones, President of the Fort Lauderdale (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. “By increasing our endowed scholarship fund to over $25,000, we are ensuring that this financial support remains a lasting resource for young Black men pursuing careers in education.”
This initiative is part of Links Love HBCUs, a national program of The Links, Incorporated dedicated to strengthening and sustaining historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The Fort Lauderdale (FL) Chapter’s scholarship fund at FMU directly aligns with this mission by providing critical financial assistance to aspiring Black male teachers.
“We are proud to align with The Links’ national ‘Links Love HBCUs’ initiative, which underscores the critical role HBCUs play in advancing educational excellence and social equity. Their enduring partnership strengthens our mission to prepare our students to succeed academically, serve their communities, and become impactful leaders who shape a brighter future,” added McCormick.
In 2024, the Fort Lauderdale (FL) Chapter celebrated 50 years of service to the South Florida community. As the chapter builds on this milestone, it encourages the public to support its scholarship efforts. Contributions can be made directly to the Fort Lauderdale (FL) Chapter’s scholarship fund by visiting the giving page on FMU’s website (FMU.edu).