Community Service Scholarship

Supporting and improving educational outcomes for African American students in the St. Louis region has been and continues to be a priority for the Archway (MO) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. Over $75,000 in Community Service Scholarships have been awarded to deserving college bound high school graduates.

“Scholarships provided by the Chapter are meant to inspire the scholars to reach for the stars and realize that their future is in their hands. We congratulate them and encourage them to continue, to go further, to reach higher and to allow nothing to deter them on this journey of discovery and success”, said E. Denise Smith, President of the Archway (MO) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.

Applicants must have performed community service relating to one or more of the organization’s five National Program Facets: Services to Youth, emphasizing the betterment of the lives of children, particularly those of African-American descent; The Arts, bringing attention to the contributions of African Americans who are involved in activities such as visual and performing arts, writing, and music; National Trends and Services, addressing legislative and educational issues; International Trends and Services, focusing on improving the quality of life for people of color worldwide; and Health and Human Services, targeting health and wellness, healthy life styles, and obesity.

Community service is considered any voluntary act(s) performed to benefit others and performed without monetary compensation.

In addition to meeting criteria outlined below, the successful students must have performed community service relating to one or more of the organization’s five National Program Facets: Services to Youth, emphasizing the betterment of the lives of children, particularly those of African-American descent; The Arts, bringing attention to the contributions of African Americans who are involved in activities such as visual and performing arts, writing, and music; National Trends and Services, addressing legislative and educational issues; International Trends and Services, focusing on improving the quality of life for people of color worldwide; and Health and Human Services, targeting health and wellness, healthy life styles, and obesity.

Community service is considered any voluntary act(s) performed to benefit others and performed without monetary compensation.

Eligibility

1. African American High School Senior with a 2.7 cumulative GPA or higher.
2. Residents of St. Louis city, the Missouri counties of St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson, Franklin, Lincoln, or the Illinois counties of St. Clair or Madison.
3. Must have performed a minimum of 50 hours of community service (over their 4-year high school career) in one or more of our five facet programs anytime during his/her high school career.
4. The applicant must have maintained a history of good citizenship and responsibility.
5. Cannot be related by blood or marriage to a member of the Links, Incorporated.
6. Must be planning to attend an accredited institution of higher learning.

Multiple scholarships will be awarded, including some specifically to students majoring in STEM fields.

Finalists for all scholarship awards will be required to participate in an in-person interview and will be asked to submit a media release and a photo that The Links Incorporated might use in their publications. Awarded students will receive a scholarship check at a Scholarship Recognition Luncheon. Recipients will be required to provide proof of acceptance to the designated accredited institution of higher learning.

THE APPLICATION IS AVAILABLE ONLINE

To create an account on Scholarship Central:

1. Go to https://stlouisgraduates.academicworks.com/opportunities/5074 and click “find a scholarship.”
2. Follow the instructions for registering and completing the General Application. 
3. Then click “opportunities” and search for “The Links.”

For questions, please contact Dana Tucker:  dana.tucker@ymail.com.