Every year, the Madison Metropolitan Chapter of The Links awards scholarships to college-bound African-American students residing in the Greater Madison and Beloit areas and then presents them at their annual African-American Student Recognition Program at Madison College in May.
The deadline to apply for those scholarships is approaching fast — this year it is Wednesday, May 9. All area college-bound high school seniors who meet the criteria are encouraged to apply. The number and amount of scholarships awarded are dependent upon money raised by the chapter’s fundraising events.
“In the past we’ve given out scholarships of $1,000 per person but we haven’t figured out what the amount is going to be this year,” Viola Miller, chairperson of the Links’ of Services to Youth Committee, tells Madison365. “Last year, we gave out over $20,000 total in scholarships to graduating high school students.”
The Madison Links present those scholarships to students at their annual African-American Student Recognition Program at Madison College where they recognize outstanding academic achievement with an emphasis on celebrating the work of African American students and adult volunteers in education. The 2016 Madison Metro Chapter of the Links, Inc. 30th Annual African American Academic Recognition Program will be held May 15. This is one of their most important student-related endeavors where the Madison Links present almost 1,000 certificates of recognition to K-12 African-American students — elementary, middle, and high school — in the local area upon recommendation by their teachers.
“There are two programs that take place that day. The earlier program is where we recognize students from the elementary school and the later program is for the high school kids and the middle school students,” Miller says. “It’s a chance for us to recognize kids who might not get recognized in the community or at their schools for doing good stuff. This is something that really encourages them and motivates them and it’s something that they can get really dressed up for and look forward to.
“The principals of the schools are there to read out the students’ names and all of the students’ families and friends are there so it’s a very proud moment for the kids. You get to stand up in front of your peers, your teachers, your family and your friends and show that you are making a contribution,” she adds. “It’s the little things like this that we hope will lead to bigger things in the future.”
The Links, Incorporated is an international civic organization of accomplished, dedicated women whose primary focus is working together to meet the needs of persons of African ancestry. Founded in 1946, The Links, Incorporated is one of the oldest and largest of predominately African-American, not-for-profit, service organizations in the nation with a membership of more than 12,000 professional women in 274 chapters located in 42 states.
The Madison Metropolitan Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has been serving the Madison community and supporting Madison’s African-American students for over 30 years. Since its inception in 1985, The Links has awarded more than $110,000 in scholarships to local students.
The Madison Links are very strong in working with youths in the Madison community including the annual hosting of a “Yes I Can” conference to assist African-American young women in learning what it means to be a real African American woman and to support them in developing themselves in their future academic and professional careers.
Every year, The Madison Links Incorporated also host their annual Community Recognition and Scholarship Jazz Brunch where they honor individuals and organizations who have made tremendous contributions to the greater Madison community.
“The Links’ Community Recognition and Scholarship Jazz Brunch is an amazing event with great food and entertainment and networking and awards,” Miller says. “The money from the event goes right to our scholarships,”
High school students are encouraged to apply for those scholarships soon as all scholarship application materials must be submitted electronically by Monday, May 9. Members of the Services to Youth Committee will select recipients with final approval by chapter members taking place after May 17. A private reception will be held for the scholarship winners on June 4.
“Go to the website and download the scholarship and complete it and submit it. We’re looking for all-around good students, good people, and good community members,” Miller says. “I think it is an awesome opportunity. I remember myself as a young person being recognized and that stayed with me for the rest of my life.”
