We are excited to kickoff our chapter’s umbrella program, Project L.E.A.D., with the 7th and 8th grade girls at Bethune Elementary. The theme for the year is College Prep Starts Now – Readiness 101. During the event, Links shared their college experiences and engaged the students with a College Knowledge Trivia Game – – all in an effort to introduce the students to the world of college and career choices (what colleges are out there, differences in colleges, college terms, college requirements and expectations and myths versus reality).
In our “RIP the Runway” activity, the girls introduced themselves and announced the name of a college they were representing (the name of the college based on a notepad they received at the beginning of the session) and each girl Ripped the Runway (RIP = Ready, Informed and Prepared). In support of The Links, Incorporated’s National HBCU Initiative, HBCU institutions were highlighted.
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Project L.E.A.D. – High Expectations
4th – 8th Grade ~ “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, 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. The program goals are to:
- Emphasize closing the middle school academic achievement gap
- Promote health and wellness with youth, families and communities
- Support the National STEM Education and Career Readiness Initiative
- Involve and empower youth to become leaders in violence prevention
- Introduce and promote financial literacy at an early age
- Prepare and promote college readiness
- Develop effective mentoring relationships between children and positive adult role models
