Project L.E.A.D. ~ “Links Educate, Accommodate and Develop with High Expectations”
The title L.E.A.D. reflects The Links, Incorporated’s effort to close the academic achievement gap of middle school students (4th through 8th grade), while responding to their social-emotional needs, encouraging health and wellness, introducing STEM related education and career options, and improving their financial literacy. Instilling “High Expectations” in the youth participating in the program is a priority. Project L.E.A.D. participants are empowered to believe that they are capable of making significant contributions to society, and that The Links, Incorporated members, and society in general, also has high expectations of them.
Fulfilling the mission of The Links, Incorporated, on January 20, 2017, the Services to Youth facet of the New Orleans (LA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated hosted a Project L.E.A.D. Girls Conference at Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School.
A panel discussion detailing Careers in STEM was presented. The premise – It’s more than calculus, physics and algebra. The students met women who have gone against the odds to land exciting careers in STEM. The panel discussed the importance of STEM education, how young women need to be involved in STEM, and how STEM is changing the landscape of our future workforce. This session looked at Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math in a new light.
The Planning for College workshop was well received. With so many options available, choosing the right college and preparing for this monumental step in life can be daunting, overwhelming and confusing. This workshop got students excited about college and got them to think about it now.
Other workshops included: Etiquette Lunch and Learn – a workshop on social introductions, dining etiquette (formal place setting), and general social graces; Financial Workshop (Wallet Wise) – an interactive and fun workshop with a trivia format wherein students learned about spending wisely, saving smart, and using credit to their advantage; and, Small Group Mentoring Roundtables wherein students participated in structured conversations about body image, boys, and peer pressure. The discussions focused on boosting self-esteem, selecting a good inner circle of friends, and maintaining a positive attitude. This was an opportunity for participants to ask questions they were always afraid to ask.
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