SERVICES TO YOUTH

Link Marie O'Kelly Green, Chair

Link Erika Miller-Washington, Co-Chair

An integrated approach to preparing youth for the 21st century workforce

“The world around us really belongs to youth, for youth will take over its future management. Our children must never lose their zeal for building a better world. They must not be discouraged from aspiring toward greatness, for they are to be the leaders of tomorrow.”

Mary McLeod Bethune’s “My Last Will and Testament” still serves today as a clarion call to train youth to become informed, full participants in the social and economic forces that will shape the future. The Links, Incorporated created its first program facet, Services to Youth, to equip African-American children to use their intellect and spirit of achievement to indeed walk with their fellows in leading the way.

Today, The Links, Incorporated continues to implement programs that are responsive to the academic, cultural, health, social awareness, career development, and mentoring needs of youth.

The Links, Incorporated’s Services to Youth facet is an integrated approach to preparing young people to succeed in the 21st century workforce.

The primary goals of this facet are to:

  • Promote early literacy
  • Implement local mentoring programs from kindergarten through college
  • Close the academic achievement gaps from kindergarten through college
  • Introduce and support Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) education and career readiness
  • Implement college readiness programs
  • Increase high school and college graduation rates
  • Award college scholarships and build educational endowments
  • Promote and support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) 

PAST PROGRAMS OF THE HAC SERVICES TO YOUTH FACET

•  Cosmetic Party for Teenage Girls

•  Tea to display the musical and artistic talents of local junior and senior high school students

•  Charm Clinic

•  Annual “Toys for Tots”

•  Enhanced cultural experiences by providing the opportunity for many youngsters to attend stage productions.

•  Coordinated efforts with local Neighborhood Facilities Center

•  Participated in the 1984 United Negro College Fund Telethon Reception and donated $750.00 (1985 – $1,000.00)

•  Sponsored “Spotlight On Youth” Talent Show

•  Co-sponsored Youth Enrichment Assembly at USC with Southern California Link Chapters 1984, 1985, 1986, and 1987

•  Awarded stipends to other service organizations to help finance their projects for youth

•  Adopted a group of pregnant teens attending Reid Continuation High School in Long Beach. The chapter provides support and enrichment activities for the adoptees.

•  Participated jointly in 1986 United Negro College Fund Telethon with Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta Sororities. Donated $700.00

•  Provided scholarships for graduates of Reid Continuation High School and have continued to provide scholarships for students from other high schools in the Harbor Area.

•  Sponsored Create and Share Project at Reid Continuation High School. Teens at the school made gifts for children attending the school for the homeless.

•  Sponsored selected group of female students attending Cabrillo High School in a project designated as Links to Success: Culture, Career, College (2003-2006)

•  Collaborated with Catholic Charities at the Homeless Shelter in the Long Beach area.

•  December – Outreach to selected afterschool programs through the donation of hand sanitizers, Kleenex, and cleaning wipes to help protect students from the H1N1, influenza, and the common cold.

• April 24, 2010 “MAN UP 50” a continuing program that provides information, training and mentoring to African American high school young men, grades 11th and 12th in the Long Beach Unified School District.  The program culminates each spring with a mini conference. One student in the African American Male Academy received a Posse Scholarship of $100,000.

• February 2011, Workshops  on Academic Strategies for Success, Financial Empowerment, Interviewing Skills and Resume Writing, and Health Issues presented by Link members.

• September 2011 through March 2012. Monthly workshops presented to the young men included: Financial Planning, Career Options, Interviewing Skills, Dress for Success, Legal Issues and Health Concerns.

• December 17, 2011 “ Toys for Tots” Gift Cards presented to children at Miller Children Hospital.

• December 20, 2011 “Toys for Tots” Presented gift cards to children at Catholic Charities.

• December 23, 2011 Participated in the Club C.A.R.S.O.N. Shoe and Toy Project sponsored by Dr. Vergie Seymore.

• March 17, 2012 “Man Up Forum” “Being Successful in the 21st Century presented at David Starr Jordan High School.

 

Members of Services to Youth Facet:  Links Jenelle Franklin, Kay O'Kelly, Marie O'Kelly Green, Erika Miller-Washington, Tina Robinson, and Bertha Sightler.