“Developing and maintaining transformative programs for at-risk school students.”
Through its Services to Youth Facet (“STY”), the Greater New York Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has embarked on a program with Frederick Douglass Academy (“FDA”), a high school in Harlem, New York. Our program reflects the theme “Serving with Excellence and Impact.” We have established a mentoring program to foster leadership skills and strengthen self-esteem for a cohort of 25 girls who are now seniors. We have worked with some of the girls since 9th grade. Workshops are held once per month facilitated by a Link member. Our workshops cover the values of leadership such as Choice, Resilience, Growth, Priorities, Courage, Commitment and Character. By hosting these interactive workshops, we have established trust with the girls which in turn has enabled them to be more open minded.
Recently, Link members presented the topic of “Character.” How do you behave when no one is watching? Several scenarios were presented that would demonstrate your character. If you found $20 on the floor of a classroom, would you keep the money or try to find the person who lost the $20? Role playing sessions were held to determine who the bank would loan to predicated on character traits.
We also collaborate with other facets. Our first workshop of the school year was in partnership with Health and Human Services. One of our Link members presented a phenomenal workshop on the topic of “What Does Success Mean to You”? She incorporated 2 values of leadership in her presentation “Courage” and “Responsibility.” National Trends conducted a workshop entitled “Power of the Purse” which discussed budgeting, investing, and saving. STY in partnership with DoSomething hosted an inspiring workshop on mental health. Realizing the pressures on the seniors, our facilitators asked the young ladies the strategies they use to reduce and cope with stress. For this workshop, DoSomething offered an arts and crafts activity as a method to reduce stress.
Our Link members have also been guest speakers and have offered opportunities for field trips. The students had the opportunity to attend the NYUL/HBCU College Fair which was a rousing success. 45 HBCU’s sent representatives to the College Fair. In addition, there were workshops, discussion of scholarship opportunities, onsite admission and entertainment. One of the highlights of the year was our trip to JetBlue coordinated by one of our members who has a high-level position there. Representatives in leadership positions, many of whom were persons of color, spoke about their career paths and current responsibilities. Speakers included the General Counsel, Manager DEI, Tech Ops, a First Officer Pilot and many others.
It is important that the girls have fun and have opportunities to bond with Link members during our programming, too. To that end, we take the girls to see Broadway shows, including MJ the Musical and The Color Purple.
We are so thrilled and gratified to have had a positive impact on the lives of these girls. They have experienced tremendous growth and development throughout our tenure with them. FDA leadership has noticed the difference the Links have made. We have helped the students find their voice. After every workshop and event, we ask the students to answer 3 questions anonymously and write any comments. Some of the comments indicated “I want to be a better person”, “I learned so much”, “This workshop opened my eyes to possibilities”. “Amazing”. The Links see the difference in the way the students carry themselves. Everyone who has interacted with the girls are struck by their brilliance and demeanor.
Our senior cohort graduated from high school in 2024 taking the next step in their journey toward adulthood. We are so proud to have played a role in the growth, development, and success of these amazing students. All of the students are headed to college and one student will attend a post graduate boarding school for a year. Many of the young ladies will be attending local colleges. One of our students is the salutatorian and has a full scholarship to Barnard College.
We began the school year in September with a new group of 9th grade young ladies who we will lead and guide over the next 4 years. They have already impressed us with their intelligence and poise. Their enthusiasm and thirst for knowledge is infectious. We are enjoying working with the girls and have already noticed the positive impact we are having on their lives.
