About the Organization

The Washington/Lincoln Alumni Association of Dallas, Inc. is a national non-profit organization founded by graduates and former students of Booker T. Washington and Lincoln High Schools in Dallas, Texas — the only two high schools that allowed students of African American descent in Dallas during that time.

Over time, others who were committed to the organization’s mission joined, and chapters were established throughout the United States. Today, the association maintains active chapters in:

  • Dallas, Texas

  • Houston, Texas

  • Metro Washington, D.C.

Mission

The mission of the Washington/Lincoln Alumni Association is to:

  • Preserve the history of Booker T. Washington and Lincoln High Schools in Dallas, Texas

  • Promote the importance of education for children

  • Give back to our communities

To support this mission, WLAA provides scholarships to deserving high school seniors.

Houston Chapter Scholarship Program

As part of the Houston Chapter’s commitment to education, the organization began its local scholarship competition in 2006.

The Houston Chapter currently awards several scholarships:

Dennystine Johnson Memorial Scholarship
Established in honor of an esteemed Houston educator and long-time President of the Houston Chapter of WLAA.

Attorney Bobby Caldwell Memorial Scholarship
Established in 2023 in honor of Attorney Bobby Caldwell, known as “The People’s Lawyer,” who dedicated his life to defending civil and human rights and serving the community.

Nelvyn Faye Brown-Minter Scholarship
Established in honor of the founder of the Houston Chapter, who founded the chapter in 1976

Chassity Lawton Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Chassity Lawton, our first true Ambassador, whose spirit, dedication, and commitment to service left a lasting impact on the organization.

Stephany Shorter Family-Funded Scholarship

Established by the Shorter family in recognition of Stephany Shorter’s hard work, dedication, and contributions to the community and the mission of the Washington-Lincoln Alumni Association.

Scholarship Awards

For the 2025–2026 academic year, the Houston Chapter will award:

  • Three (3) $1,500 scholarships

  • Two (2) $1,000 scholarships

These scholarships are intended to assist students with expenses during their freshman year of college.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

  • Be a graduating high school senior in good standing

  • Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 (C+ / 78) on a 4.0 scale

  • Demonstrate financial need

  • Demonstrate strong character, personal merit, and leadership

  • Show participation in extracurricular activities, civic organizations, or church activities

Merit will be evaluated based on:

  • Academic achievement

  • Leadership

  • Motivation to succeed

  • Community service involvement

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit the following documents:

  • Completed WLAA Houston Chapter Scholarship Application Form

  • One two-page essay describing future goals

  • One one-page list of extracurricular activities and achievements

  • High School Transcript (including Fall 2025 semester)

  • Two Letters of Recommendation

    • One from a high school official (teacher, counselor, principal, etc.)

    • One from a community member (pastor, mentor, civic leader, etc.)

Additional required materials:

  • Proof of acceptance to an accredited college or university as a full-time student

  • One 3" × 5" color photograph

Selected recipients will also be asked to submit a cap and gown photograph for the WLAA National Scholarship Brochure.

Essay Requirement

Applicants must submit a two-page essay addressing the following prompt:

Discuss your dreams for the future. Describe your life as you envision it twenty years from now. What people, experiences, and accomplishments will help you achieve success? How does this scholarship support your goals?

Extracurricular Activities Requirement

Applicants must submit a one-page list summarizing:

  • Hobbies

  • Extracurricular activities

  • Community service

  • Employment history

  • Leadership roles

Application Deadline

All materials must be submitted by

April 30, 2026

Applications received after this date will not be considered.

Contact Information

If you have questions regarding the scholarship program, please contact:

Karen Reese: (713) 417-8629

Apply for Scholarship