The Virginia Foundation for Community College Education has selected Wanda Olden, who attends Paul D. Camp Community College, as a member of the fourth class of the prestigious Valley Proteins Fellows scholarship program.

Valley Proteins Fellows represent the best and most motivated second-year students at Virginia’s community colleges who demonstrate both academic and leadership potential, along with a commitment to excellence.

“This is a prestigious honor that is awarded to only 10 students from the almost 300,000 students that Virginia’s community colleges serve across the commonwealth,” said PDCCC President Paul Conco. “Wanda is very deserving of this fellowship. We are so proud of her.”

A Suffolk resident, Olden is majoring in business management at PDCCC. A non-traditional student, she participates in the Students Transitioning through Education Programs Successfully program and Student Support Services at the college. She serves as vice president of the PDCCC Literary Club. Additionally, Olden was selected to represent the college at the Virginia General Assembly and the VCCS Student Leadership Conference. She was the recipient of the Franklin Woman’s Club Scholarship for spring 2014.

Olden is a volunteer with the Medical Reserve Corps, the United Way of South Hampton Roads and is a literacy tutor with the Suffolk Literacy Council.

When she completes her degree at PDCCC in 2015, she will be the first in three generations of her family to graduate. She hopes to work as a manager or director in the social behavior field.

The fellowship’s estimated value is $15,000. In addition to receiving full coverage of tuition and fees, the fellows participate in a unique curriculum that includes leadership programs, cultural opportunities and a community service project.

The fellows program is made possible through a donation by Valley Proteins Inc. The Winchester-based company has been in the rendering business for more than 60 years and currently operates 14 plants in 7 states.

“Congratulations to these students who earned some of our most competitive scholarships,” said Glenn DuBois, chancellor of Virginia’s community colleges. “These scholars are talented, motivated and community-focused. These men and women will be taking the reins of leadership and leaving their mark on the world and we’re delighted to work with them.”