Dr. Lillian Adams Parks Scholarship - The Links, Incorporated – Gateway (IL) Chapter

The Gateway Chapter’s Scholarship Program recognizes the educational desires and needs of African American and minority students AND students who significantly participate in and promote organizations and activities in the African-American community.

Named in honor of Dr. Lillian Adams Parks, Organizer of the Gateway Chapter and nationally renowned African American educator, the scholarship program is designed to enhance educational opportunities.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. or permanent resident.
2. Be African-American OR significantly participate in and promote organizations and activities in the African-American community.
3. Reside within the following geographical boundaries: St. Louis City, St. Louis County or St. Charles County in Missouri; or St. Clair County or Madison County in Illinois.
4. Be a current full-time high school senior.
5. Attend or plan to attend an accredited two or four-year college, university or vocational/technical school (certificate program or Associate Degree) in one of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.
6. Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or above on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent thereof.
7. Not be an immediate family member or IRS dependent of a member of The Links, Incorporated.

Please note that your references must be submitted by the application deadline of May 3rd. You should enter the names and email addresses of your reference providers well in advance of this deadline.

Students will have the opportunity to renew this scholarship. Renewal is competitive – students will be selected based on a comprehensive review of their application.

Click here for more information about the scholarship

Questions? Contact Dr. Aretha Hardrick at arethahardrick@gmail.com

Donor
The Links, Incorporated – Gateway (IL) Chapter
Award
Varies
Deadline
05/03/2025
Supplemental Questions
  1. Check the box below to indicate that you have read the procedures and guidelines of this scholarship. Click here to see the guidelines
  2. How long have you been a resident of The Links, Incorporated - Gateway Chapter's area (St. Louis City, St. Louis County or St. Charles County in Missouri; or St. Clair County or Madison County in Illinois.)
  3. Please upload your most recent OFFICIAL transcript.
  4. Are you a full-time high school student?
  5. Update your Scholarship Central General Application to list the college/university you plan to attend. If you are undecided at this time, list the schools to which you applied below:
  6. Upload a letter of acceptance you received from a college or university.
  7. List scholarships and financial aid that you already know you will receive for next year.
    • 1. Program/Scholarship Name
    • 2. Dollar Amount
  8. Upload your Financial Aid Award Letter from the school you plan to attend.
  9. Describe any circumstances in your home or family which may affect your finances or educational plans. This could include physical conditions, disabilities, family issues, or anything else pertinent to your situation.
  10. Upload your 2025-2026 FAFSA Submission Summary.
  11. List high school activities (sports, clubs, offices, etc.).
    • 1. Activity
    • 2. Describe involvement (position, office, award, honors, letter, recognition)
    • 3. Years
  12. List Community Activities (Church, Scouts, Volunteering, etc.)
    • 1. Activity
    • 2. Years
    • 3. Office, Award, Letter, Recognition
  13. List any awards, honors or leadership roles NOT included in the questions above.
    • Award, honor or leadership role
    • Years
  14. Explain how you have significantly participated in and promote(d) organizations and activities in the African-American community.

  15. Write an essay (not more than 400 words) on *ONE* of the following topics. Beware of plagiarism and use citations.

    Option 1: Over the years upwardly mobile young African Americas have been cautioned they must work harder to overcome educational and professional obstacles. In your opinion, is that a cliche or does it hold true today? Explain.

    Option 2: DEI (diversity, equality, and inclusion) ensures equal opportunities for students, faculty and staff in higher education. How will elimination of DEI initiatives affect enrollment by people of color in HBCUs (Historically Black College or University) or PWIs (Predominately White Institution)? Might it necessitate reimagining higher education?

    Option 3: Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance has gotten extensive commentary regarding its attempt to tell the story of African Americans in the USA. Was the effort accomplished? If NO, why was it not? If YES, list at least three specific messages identifying how it was accomplished.

  16. SCHOLARSHIP CENTRAL RECOMMENDATION: Enter the name and e-mail address of an instructor, counselor, advisor, supervisor or other similarly qualified individual who will submit a recommendation on your behalf. NOTE: As the applicant, it is your responsibility to inform that person to watch for an email sent on your behalf that will explain how to complete this process.
  17. SCHOLARSHIP CENTRAL SECOND RECOMMENDATION: Enter the name and e-mail address of an instructor, counselor, advisor, supervisor or other similarly qualified individual who will submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf. NOTE: As the applicant, it is your responsibility to inform that person to watch for an email sent on your behalf that will explain how to complete this process.
  18. By typing my full name below, I certify that I have read, understand, accept and agree to the Procedures, Guidelines and Deadlines for the Dr. Lillian Adams Parks Scholarship. I hereby certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the information contained in this application is true, complete and accurate. I understand that any alteration, concealment or falsification of any information or material will result in my disqualification as a recipient or potential recipient of the Dr. Lillian Adams Parks Scholarship. I understand it is my responsibility to make sure that the application is completed and submitted by the required deadline. If not, my application may be disqualified from the awards competition and may not be considered for an award. This application, upon receipt, becomes the property of The Gateway (IL) Chapter of Links, Incorporated. To comply with the provisions of the Family Educational and Privacy Act of 1974, I hereby grant permission for school officials to release my school records and other requested information, if necessary.
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