From Prime Timers of Central Virginia, the scholarship’s sponsor:

To learn more about the organization, click here

Dr. Woodrow W. (Woody) Baldwin was not only our founder; he was our leader; he was our teacher; he was our mentor. Without him, this wonderful organization would have never come about. He took a giant step in 1987 when he created Prime Timers in Boston (August 15, 1987). In his own words, he wrote: “When he retired in 1982, he vowed to do something for the gay community because he had been closeted during his teaching career.”

Woody was a professor of business management for 36 years, teaching at UCLA and Simmons College. While at UCLA, Woody was twice elected most popular professor. He went to Simmons as director of the School of Business and retained that position for 20 years. Woody leaves a legacy of having elevated the status of older gay men and contributed to their enjoyment of aging.

Dr. Woodrow W. (Woody) Baldwin died April 21, 2016. When Woody passed away, he left money to the various chapters to use to enrich the lives of their community. It is from this gift that the Side by Side scholarship is funded. Prime Timers Worldwide now has over 8,000 members with over 80 chapters worldwide, located throughout North American, Europe, Israel and Australia. Prime Timers Central Virginia is affiliated with Prime Timers Worldwide.

Prime Timers Central Virginia is a social, educational and cultural organization that provides gay and bisexual men the opportunity to enrich their lives. Membership is open to men 21 years and older. Our members are men who choose to have their social lives enriched by the diverse activities in which our members engage. No single definition can describe Prime Timers, as they come from all walks of life. Prime Timers involve themselves in their community with volunteerism, politics, gay issues, arts, entertainment, medical issues, support groups and every other facet of healthy living. Prime Timers are fathers and caregivers. They are businessmen and entrepreneurs. They are workers and they are retired. Some are always on the go, and some enjoy the quiet company of others at home. Yet one thing is true of all Prime Timers: they enjoy the opportunities and friendships that develop with other Prime Timers throughout the world.

Prime Timers Central Virginia is very proud to offer a scholarship award to young people of the LGBTQ+ community and Side by Side.

• In alignment with Side by Side’s mission to help you develop yourself, find safe and affirming community, and thrive, we sponsor this scholarship to help queer young adults in their post-high school pursuits, especially those seeking more non-traditional paths after high school graduation.

• The selected applicant must commit to use scholarship funds to:

  • Pursue enrollment in, and completion of, a community college program, a trade school program, or a career certification program, AND/OR

  • Purchase materials (such as tools, attire, etc.) to launch their employment or life journey, AND/OR

  • Cover the cost of life expenses that, if not funded, will present a barrier to success as you start your life journey after high school (examples including deposits for housing, transportation, laptop/internet access, etc.).

• Additionally, the applicant must:

  • identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community,

  • be 17-25 years old as of June 30, 2023,

  • reside in Virginia at the time of scholarship application, and

  • agree to attend events upon receiving scholarship funds.

• NOTE: This scholarship is not open to individuals applying to attend a four-year institution immediately after high school.

• Application Prompt: In 250-300 words, or in a maximum 4-minute video, share:
  (1) A little about you,
  (2) Any information on how you have championed the LGBTQ+ voice in your community, AND
  (3) Details on how you'll use the scholarship funds and how they will help you create a more successful, authentic launch to your post-high school pursuits.