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 April 15th. 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
04/15/2023
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.
    • Dollar Amount
    • Program/Scholarship Name
  8. STUDENT AID REPORT (SAR): Please upload a copy of your Student Aid Report. The SAR is the document resulting from the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA may be filed online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Once you have completed the FAFSA, upload your SAR here.
  9. Upload your Financial Aid Award Letter from the school you plan to attend.
  10. 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.
  11. List high school activities (sports, clubs, offices, etc.).
    • 1. Activity
    • 2. Describe involvement (position, office, award, letter, recognition)
    • 3. Years
  12. List Community Activities (Church, Scouts, Volunteer, 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.

    1) During her service as wife of a POTUS (President of the United States), Attorney and author Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama, FLOTUS 2009-2017, was the first African American Woman to serve as First Lady. A motto she stated during the Democratic National Convention in 2016, "When they go low, we go high." has become a mantra for many. In your opinion why should going 'high' when faced with a challenge be important to you? Explain.

    2) Actor Chadwick Boseman was superhero King T'Challa in the 2018 futuristic movie Black Panther. In the wake of King T'Challa's death, the 2022 sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever the super powers banned together to fight for their beloved kingdom. Likewise in the 2022 movie The Woman King, all-female warriors of the African Kingdom of Dahomey fought a foreign enemy determined to destroy their kingdom's way of life. Each movie had a strong female presence. Do these movies reflect a rallying cry for diversity and representation in performance arts? Explain how positive African American presence is important.

    3) Should student debt be forgiven? There are pros and cons suggesting that universal loan cancellation requires discussions of who the policy would help, and that the burden of student loans should fall on borrows rather than taxpayers. If one word can make a difference, select a pro or con position to explain which will be most beneficial. Why or why not?

    4) Title 42 of the USA includes sections dealing with public health, social welfare and civil rights. Since 2020, Title 42 has allowed USA Border Agents to prevent migrants from entering the US Border in the name of Covid-19 prevention. Noting the words on the Statue of Liberty penned by Emma Lazarus in 1883: Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore -- address the concerns of Title 42 as they relate to that declaration welcoming all those who want to start a new life in the United States. Explain.

  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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