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. . . as presented at the

41st Western Area Conference

"REACHING FOR THE STARS"

Houston, Texas

June 19 - 22, 2013

Credits: Produced and Published by Diane Scott & the Program Team

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Cover Design by Lorna C. Hankins Editing Assistance by Barbara Ruffin-Boston June 1, 2013

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With much gratitude . . .

Constance Fitzpatrick Smith

Western Area Director The Links, Incorporated

The Program Team would like to acknowledge and thank our 16th Western Area Director, Constance Fitzpatrick Smith for her outstanding leadership and support of our efforts to step toward transformational programming. Link Constance demonstrated to us the importance of high quality programming. She was our inspiration and guiding star….Thank you Link Constance for helping us reach for the stars!

Diane Scott Program Chair

Katie Allen The Arts Facet Chair

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Michele Halyard, MD Health and Human Services Facet Chair

Jackie Kimbrough International Trends and Services Facet Chair

Shari Lamb, Esq National Trends and Services Facet Chair

Charlotte Ned Services to Youth Facet Chair

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Table of Contents

Umbrella Programming – Diane Scott, Program Chair Biennium Program Summary 2011-2013 ................................................................... 7

BAKERSFIELD (CA) CHAPTER “Links Leadership Academy: STEM-ULATION Left Brain-Right Brain” .................................................... 8 BEVERLY HILLS WEST (CA) CHAPTER “Links to Healthy Life Choices, Combating Childhood Obesity” ............................................................... 9 CHANNEL ISLANDS (CA) CHAPTER “Youth Summit 2012” .............................................................................................................................. 10 DENVER (CO) CHAPTER “Stepping Into the Future, Project LEADS: High Expectations” ............................................................... 11 FORTH WORTH (TX) CHAPTER “The EMPRESS Leadership Program” .................................................................................................... 12 GREATER SEATTLE (WA) CHAPTER “Umbrella Program - Building STEAM” ................................................................................................... 13 HARBOR AREA (CA) CHAPTER “Links to Success: School Today, Careers Tomorrow, Success Forever” ............................................... 14 HAWAII (HI) CHAPTER “Links Connection: Bridges To Our Community” ..................................................................................... 15 LAS VEGAS (NV) CHAPTER “Yeas - Youth Enrichment, Academic Success” ...................................................................................... 16 MISSOURI CITY (TX) CHAPTER “S.T.E.M.-ulation: Left Brain/Right Brain” ................................................................................................ 17 OAKLAND BAY AREA (CA) CHAPTER “Oakland Bay Area'sProgram” ............................................................................................................... 18 PALOS VERDES (CA) CHAPTER “Project Fresh Start” .............................................................................................................................. 19 PASADENA – ALTADENA (CA) CHAPTER “Links Up for Success: Connecting Through Mentoring” ......................................................................... 20 PLANO NORTH METROPLEX (TX) CHAPTER “Inspire” ................................................................................................................................................. 21 PORT CITY (TX) CHAPTER “Links Involved 'N Kids and Supporting Healthy Lifestyles” .................................................................... 22 SAN DIEGO (CA) CHAPTER

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“The Achiever Program” ........................................................................................................................ 23 SAN FERNANDO VALLEY (CA) CHAPTER “Project S.E.L.F. Cultivating Leadership by Building Self-Esteem through Service, Enrichment and Life

Skills for the Future” ............................................................................................................................... 24 SOLANO (CA) CHAPTER “Links to Success: Children Achieving Excellence” ................................................................................ 25 TEXAS SPRING CYPRESS (TX) CHAPTER “JEWELS: Justly Empowering Women Eager to Live Successfully” ......................................................... 26 TRINITY (TX) CHAPTER “So SMAART- S. T. E. M.-ULATION: Left Brain – Right Brain” .................................................................. 27

The Arts – Katie Allen Biennium Program Summary 2011-2013 .......................................................................................... 28 HOUSTON (TX) CHAPTER “Classics Through the Ages” .................................................................................................................. 29 SAN JOSE (CA) CHAPTER “Celebration of the Arts; Spring Recital 2012” ........................................................................................ 30 Health & Human Services – Michele Halyard Biennium Program Summary 2011 – 2013 ................................................................. 31 AUSTIN (TX) CHAPTER “Linking Mind, Body and Soul through H.O.P.E. (Healthy Opportunities/Options, Provided/Promoted for

Everyone)” ............................................................................................................................................. 32 MISSOURI (TX) CHAPTER “Passport to STEMulating Healthy Lifestyle” ........................................................................................... 33 PHOENIX (AZ) CHAPTER “The Coalition of Blacks Against Breast Cancer” .................................................................................... 34 PORTLAND (OR) CHAPTER “The African-American AIDS Awareness Action Alliance (A6)” ............................................................... 35 SOUTH BAY (CA) CHAPTER “Faith, Inspiration, Transformation (F.I.T.) Program” .............................................................................. 36 TEXAS SPRING CYPRESS (TX) CHAPTER “HeartLinks for HeartHealth” ................................................................................................................. 37

International Trends & Services – Jackie Kimbrough Program Summary 2011-2013 .................................................................................. 38

AUSTIN (TX) CHAPTER “A Time to Heal” ..................................................................................................................................... 39 HOUSTON (TX) CHAPTER “Haiti Outreach Program” ...................................................................................................................... 40 INGLEWOOD PACIFIC (CA) CHAPTER “Links Care About Women and Children of the African Diaspora” ........................................................... 41

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SAN BERNARDINO (CA) CHAPTER “San Bernardino Valley Chapter Africa Diaper Project” .......................................................................... 42

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National Trends & Services – Shari Lamb, Chair Biennium Program Summary 2011-2013 ................................................................... 43

FRESNO (CA) CHAPTER “2011 AND 2012 Holiday Community Dinner” ......................................................................................... 44 GULF COAST APOLLO (TX) CHAPTER “Becoming Financially Sound & Savvy: Sister 2 Sister” .......................................................................... 45 ORANGE COUNTY (CA) CHAPTER “Women’s Issues And Empowerment” ................................................................................................... 46 SPOKANE (WA) CHAPTER “My Sister’s Temple” .............................................................................................................................. 47

Services To Youth – Charlotte Ned Biennium Program Summary 2011-2013 ................................................................... 48

AUSTIN (TX) CHAPTER

“The Austin Chapter of the Links, Inc: Signature Service Provides Substantive Solutions” .. 49 HARBOR AREA (CA) CHAPTER “MAN UP 50 - Links Seizing the Opportunity to Help African American Youth Achieve

Excellence” ........................................................................................................................... 50 HOUSTON (TX) CHAPTER “Access 4 Youth: Pathways to Success” ................................................................................ 51 MID-CITIES (TX) CHAPTER “Mid –Cities Chapter Link-ED 2 STEM Program” .................................................................... 52 PLANO NORTH METROPLEX (TX) CHAPTER “Preparing 21st Century Youth for the Future: Strong, Talented Emerging Minds” ................. 53 PORTLAND (OR) CHAPTER “Exploring STEM Career Opportunities” ................................................................................ 54 SAN JOSE (CA) CHAPTER “Project L.E.A.D. High Expectation Signature Program: Del Roble School Tutoring Program and

Girls Empowerment Program” ............................................................................................... 55 Waco (TX) CHAPTER “Bronze Eagle Fly-In STEM Initiative” .................................................................................... 56 Waco (TX) CHAPTER “FITness Inspiring Teens (F.I.T.)” .......................................................................................... 57 S.T.E.P.S. CHAPTERS ........................................................................................................... 58 TRIBUTE ............................................................................................................................... 59 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................................ 60

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The Western Area program theme for this biennium has been S.T.E.P.S. – Strategies That Ensure Program Strength – as we move toward integrated, sustainable, impactful and transformational programming. Working in alignment with National, my program team and I have tried to provide excellent leadership and support to the fifty-six chapters in the Western Area. We utilized various tools that included our hands-on POD networking system, workshops at the Leadership Summit, conference calls, webinars, a glossary of program terminology and our comprehensive and informative Program Website. Truly integrated umbrella programming is the ultimate goal in transformational programming and offers Chapters the opportunity to build strong and powerful programs by aligning the needs of the service population with the strengths and resources of the members. We are so proud of the chapters that took the challenge to work together and develop effective strategies to address critical community needs. Umbrella programming conserves precious human, fiscal and other resources! There were a total of 35 umbrella programs submitted in the Western Area; up more than last year. Most of the programs incorporated the components of the Service Delivery Model and had clearly defined, measurable goals and objectives, inputs (resources) and outputs (activities). Members seemed to look more critically at program assessment, outcomes and proposed changes in strategies or expansion of program services in relation to the goals. Chapters spent $1,281,398.00 on umbrella programs and served 24,128 people.

More than half (20) of the umbrella program reports submitted were designated “Best Practices with scores from peer reviewers of 80 or above.” The largest target populations were children and youth. Programs provided a wide range of services and addressed low academic achievement, self-esteem, mentoring, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), leadership, career development and obesity / healthy lifestyles. Focus was also given to the homeless population, women’s empowerment, and education and support for Haiti, Liberia and other countries in Africa.

Sustainability of umbrella programs ranged from one year to 27 years for an Achiever Program; however most programs were in the 6 year range. A new strategy initiated over this biennium was the S.T.E.P.S. Chapter designation that involved integration of more than one facet and programming to include health and / or STEM services. Umbrella programming more readily facilitates this opportunity and most of these Chapters received this designation.

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BAKERSFIELD (CA) CHAPTER UMBRELLA

Sub-Facet - National Stem Initiative

“Links Leadership Academy: STEM-ULATION Left Brain-Right Brain”

Number of Members in Chapter: 25 Number of Members Participating in Program: 22 Number of People Served: 130 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 6 Location: Bakersfield, CA Funds Spent on Program: $26,370.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: Kern County Superintendent of Schools Kern High School District (KHSD) Bakersfield City School District Panama Buena Vista Union Floyd & Horrigan & Jennifer C. Floyd Law Offices Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDRF) Bakersfield Council Goals and Objectives: Improve students’ academic achievement in English Language Arts, Mathematics Improve student performance on high stakes tests: High School Exit Exam (CASHEE), STAR Increase number of students who are on track for high school graduation Increase students Exposure and awareness of the various STEM related careers Encourage students to develop healthy lifestyles Expose students to STEM career opportunities and expose them to opportunities the math and science field Program Summary/Impact: To meet the needs of the workforce in a global society, The Links Leadership Academy: “STEM-ULATION Left Brain-Right Brain” has expanded this year to include 7th and 8th grade students and to incorporate the National STEM Initiative Program. With information from California Department of Education’s DataQuest and input from local junior and high schools and community partners, the Chapter conducted a needs assessment. Students from Kern High School District, Bakersfield City School District (BCSD) and Panama-Buena Vista Union School District (PBVU) were selected to participate in the Academy. The greatest identified needs were to help improve students’ academic achievement in English Language Arts and Mathematics. Some of the students’ struggle has to do with motivation and/or connecting how these courses apply in the work force. Tutoring, mentoring, hands on experiential activities, NASA module curriculum and field trips will motivate students and introduce them to a different Bakersfield work force. Certificated teachers, experts from NASA, Chevron, and local scientists, engineers, medical doctors will teach NASA Modules. Industries requiring higher levels of Math, Science and English skills have a limited number of under-represented workers due to a lack of academic preparation and understanding of employment opportunities. The Academy was designed to meet from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the second and fourth Saturday of each month from September through April/May. Students receive two hours of English and Math, and are grouped based on their performance level as indicated by diagnostic pre/post tests. An Umbrella Approach is used; each NASA module will relate to one of the Facets-(Services to Youth, The Arts, National Trends and Services, International Trends and Services, and Health and Human Services).

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BEVERLY HILLS WEST (CA) CHAPTER UMBRELLA

Sub-Facet - Education Linkage “Links to Healthy Life Choices, Combating Childhood Obesity”

Number of Members in Chapter: 35 Number of Members Participating in Program: 18 Number of People Served: 250 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 6 Location: Venice, CA Funds Spent on Program: $23,500.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: ACS/DHHS/AHA/CDC CA State Department of Education LAUSD Schools: Walgrove Elem & 54th Street Elem Charter Schools Boys & Girls Club of Venice Association of Black Women Physicians Black Women for Wellness NexxRad Medical Group Concessions Management Group provided healthy snacks and lunch at graduations Goals and Objectives: 1. To help youth develop appropriate nutritional concepts 2. To foster positive communication and collaboration on planning and preparing healthy meals and

snacks 3. To increase youth knowledge of healthy choices in areas of: lifestyle, eating ("go slow" and "whoa

foods)," and physical activity 4. To increase goal-setting and tracking of healthy diet and physical activity 5. To help improve family eating and activity habits

Program Summary / Impact: Given the multifaceted nature of the problem and its severe implications for the future health and well being of children affected by overweight and obesity, the Beverly Hills West (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated believe the most effective solution will be achieved through programs that focus on prevention and intervention efforts; thus, "Links to Healthy Life Choices, Combating Childhood Obesity." Our intervention/prevention program began as a yearly, free community health summit in 2006 in partnership with Project Heavy West and the Boys and Girls Club of Venice advocating for the health, wellness and education of obese children and now, from project to program, a school- based program in partnership with LAUSD, with a grant supported, targeted audience, and a track record of enhancing children's knowledge about healthful behaviors.

During the week of the Congressional Black Caucus 2012 in Washington, DC, the Beverly Hills West (CA) chapter was the first chapter in Linkdom to host a reception at The Links Headquarters. President, Link Margot James Copeland, was very proud of our chapter's health education program and its evolution from project to program 2006-12 as we graciously thanked our collaborating partners, in particular the Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health, Washington DC. Our program is designed to empower children and families to make lifelong healthy choices. We have proven results of making a difference in the lives of those we serve. We are committed to the fight.

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CHANNEL ISLANDS (CA) CHAPTER UMBRELLA

Sub-Facet - Education Linkage “Youth Summit 2013”

Number of Members in Chapter: 12 Number of Members Participating in Program: 11 Number of People Served: 36 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 12 Location: Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, CA Funds Spent on Program: $4,987.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: Amgen Corp was a sponsor. NAACP Saturday School, Bethel AME, Simi 2nd Baptist Church, and St. Paul's Baptist Church for participants. Cal Lutheran University, Moorpark College, LA County Natural History Museum, LA County Sheriff Department, Cal State University Northridge, Jet Propulsion Lab and An Upperhand to College were all contributors. Alpha Kappa Alpha for presenters for some workshops in 2013, Delta Sigma Theta for workshop presenters in 2012. Goals and Objectives: (1) To assist in closing the science and achievement gap by igniting the interest of minority children in the STEM professionals through a series of hands-on, realistic simulation experiences that incorporate science and technology. (2) To provide a range of interesting, innovative and sustainable programs which will hold the attention of a wide range of school-aged children regardless of prior academic preparation. (3) To expose children to role models who exhibit the types of behavior, education, and professional attainment we wish them to emulate. (4) To expose children to the wide range of professions and endeavors that can be derived from the study of the sciences: e.g., criminal investigations, cooking, robotics, and environmentalism. (5) To support the Education Linkage by exposing students to the academic areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics; and to continue to improve literacy skills, focusing on critical thinking and communication.

Program Summary / Impact: Youth Summit 2013-" No Boundaries;*S.T.E.M.ulate, Imagine, Discover, Explore" featured a series of interactive workshops, activities and speakers. Again, our focus was on the importance of preparation through education in the STEM professions of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Our theme of “No Boundaries: STEMulate, Imagine, Discover, Explore”, is meant to express our aim to encourage intellectual curiosity and attainment along with sparking interest in our young people. We are actively recruited an audience of 75-100 students from various communities throughout our service area of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Workshops and presentations were designed around robotics and the latest discoveries in bio-medical engineering, a poster art contest based upon a scientific theme or discovery, demonstrations from a police crime lab and the forensic sciences, along with exposure to role models in the community. An additional component of our program is the linkage to other activities we sponsor throughout the year including our essay contest on a related theme and scholarship luncheon.

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DENVER (CO) CHAPTER UMBRELLA

Sub-Facet – Signature: Project LEAD “Stepping Into the Future, Project LEADS: High Expectations”

Number of Members in Chapter: 48 Number of Members Participating in Program: 48 Number of People Served: 100 (80 completed program) Number (Period) of Years Executed: 4 Location: Denver, CA Funds Spent on Program: $21,870.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: Time Warner Cable, SOS Outreach's Snow Core Program, Denver Art Museum, Connecting Link Was Santa At Hallett, Lorraine Dixon-Jones Goals and Objectives: 1. Increase reading/math scores of 5th graders on the Transitional CO Assessment Program (TCAP) during the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 school years by engaging Members, Connecting Links and "Friends of Links" to provide bi-monthly tutoring/mentoring. 2. Help 4th and 5th graders explore and choose careers by implementing a monthly Speakers Bureau. Speakers employed in professional, entrepreneurial, STEM and technical occupations, including Links, Connecting Links, & Heir-o-Links, interact with students. 3. Write and obtain grants to broaden student/parental awareness in nutrition, health & physical fitness. Students/parents will learn to prepare and choose healthy snacks and meals. Students will annually experience a physical fitness field activity (skiing/snowboarding) that is indigenous to Colorado. 4. Annually, 5th graders will develop a major reading/writing project, e.g., school newspaper. 5. To address lack of funding at Hallett for Arts, Music, Drama teachers, students will experience a minimum of four (4) visual and performing arts activities annually. Program Summary / Impact: Denver Chapter's "Stepping Into the Future" Umbrella Program "Project Lead: High Expectations at Hallett embodies the "high expectations" required by this community-based outreach program to assist students and families. Our stated goals have made a significant impact on the students, families and community. Hallett was in jeopardy of being closed due to low test scores. About 3 years later, Hallett has been named in the top 10 schools in terms of improvement in test scores and academic growth on state tests. In 2013, the Principal will be honored as ”Principal of the Year” and the 5th grade teachers recognized as “Extraordinary Teachers” because Hallett 5th graders (our primary target group) have shown exceptional academic growth over the past 3 years. Hallett staff and the Denver Public (DPS) Schools have recognized the contribution of the Denver Chapter’s Umbrella Program to this success. The DPS Superintendent attended the School Assembly at Hallett launching our 2012-13 Umbrella Program, where students, staff, parents and Links participated in a swearing-in ceremonies to commit to the goals of the Program. According to a survey completed by Hallett teachers, there has been an observable increase in positive behaviors, cultural awareness, and art appreciation as a result of participation in our Program, including field trips to as well as receiving Art instruction from one of our own Chapter members. Similarly, the presentation by Link Carlotta LaNier, Little Rock Nine survivor, made a lasting impression on the students who relied on her heroism and perseverance when they were faced with challenges at the school. Link LaNier was invited back to speak to students again this school year . The "Can You Imagine Me?" Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Program has encouraged students and families to make healthier lifestyle choices. Students and parents are earnestly awaiting the 2013 Ski Trip to Aspen in March 2013 and the April 2013 Art Exhibit and Health Fair, expanded to invite the local community, where they will experience the pride of community involvement when their art work is displayed.

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FORTH WORTH (TX) CHAPTER UMBRELLA

“The EMPRESS Leadership Program”

Number of Members in Chapter: 43 Number of Members Participating in Program: 35 Number of People Served: 278 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 7 Location: Greater Fort Worth, TX Funds Spent on Program: $26,000.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: 1. BNSF Railway, the nation's 2nd largest rail company provided the train, conductor, chef,

safety inspectors and all federally required staff to drive the train along the route at no charge to our chapter. They even provided a professional chef.

2. Tarrant County College District provided collateral print materials including the programs. 3. Fort Worth Boys and Girls Club provide meeting space, transportation, chaperones and

technology for many of our activities. 4. Texas Health Resources has provided mammography information for our EMPRESS girls

as well as a registered dietitian to speak about obesity. Goals and Objectives: Empower and inspire young women to leadership through ongoing mentorship and creative programming •Offer young women alternatives to destructive life cycles through exposure to positive aspects and opportunities within our community and the world at large. •Provide guidance on image, presence and personal awareness to enhance self-esteem, self-assurance while focusing on personal hygiene, attire, and hair, cosmetics, deportment and dining etiquette •Bridge the technology gap that exists for African American youth by building life skills, which focus in areas of science, technology, engineering and math. Program Summary / Impact: A primary goal of the EMPRESS program, offered by the Fort Worth Chapter, The Links, Incorporated, is to empower and inspire young women to be leaders in their homes and communities. Through this program we link with girls and young women to challenge them to become their best selves. We mentor the young women through an integrated program that provides opportunities for growth for the girls while exposing them to our community and the world at large. Through EMPRESS, these teen-age young ladies learn about themselves and gain insight into the world in which they live. In workshops, field trips, lectures, roundtable discussions, and mentoring, we address the following leadership areas: communication skills, image and presence, presentation skills, technology training, community service, and life skills—especially finance and nutrition. In its seventh year in existence, we are proud that the EMPRESS program is empowering young women, helping to prepare them for life beyond high school.

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GREATER SEATTLE (WA) CHAPTER UMBRELLA

“Umbrella Program - Building STEAM”

Number of Members in Chapter: 43 Number of Members Participating in Program: 43 Number of People Served: 50 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 2 Location: Seattle, WA Funds Spent on Program: $31,952.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: YWCA, Woodland Park Zoo, Women’s Enterprises International, The 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Police Department, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco-Seattle Branch, Perkins Coie Law Firm, and the Seattle Attorney's Office. Goals and Objectives: The Chapter’s goals and objectives for our Signature Umbrella Program are highlighted below: 1. Support the mission of our community partner, the YWCA GirlsFirst program to encourage

leadership, instill confidence, develop skills and provide opportunities for girls of color. 2. “Building STEAM” provides opportunities for young African American girls and girls of color to:

A. Participate in an enhanced YWCA’s GirlsFirst program, by providing non-school experiences and increased access to resources;

B. Broaden their understanding, abilities and skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math; and

C. Increase their interaction with successful African American women and professionals via The Links participation in the “Building STEAM” program.

3. “Building STEAM” fully engages Chapter members. Program Summary / Impact: The “Building STEAM” umbrella program is the Chapter’s signature program, a partnership with the YWCA of King County’s GirlsFirst program. “Building STEAM” works with 30 to 45 low-income girls of color per year. Over 80 percent of participants are African American. The Links develop programming and experiences for the girls within the topic frameworks identified by the GirlsFirst program. We meet with the girls on three to four Saturdays throughout the year and one week during the summer. The program is four to five hours per day. The week during the summer and the Saturday sessions are primarily working with 9th graders. However, the sessions are open to alumni and we are seeing increased participation from this group. We hope to add programming for the alumni group in future years. The primary focus of the program is to improve academic and life success by broadening exposure to “non-school” experiences with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) focus and through increased exposure to successful African American women. The program builds on the career and family experiences and connections that our Chapter members have to leverage the experiences and opportunities that we can provide to the girls. As a result of member relationships, the “Building STEAM” program has created partnerships to provide experiential opportunities for the girls as “in-kind” donations. The program focus for the alumni has been on creating paid internship opportunities and mentoring relationships with professional women. YWCA GirlsFirst has had limited success in recruiting African American women to be mentors (1 out of 12). The Chapter will help recruit mentors of color for the YWCA GirlsFirst program, significantly increasing both the number of mentors and those that are African American. The Links have also committed to fund two interns this year and also to recruit two to three businesses through our Links connections to fund and place interns from the program. The program has had a significant impact on our Chapter. There is engagement and participation throughout the Chapter and at the facet level. Attendance has increased at Chapter and facet meetings.

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HARBOR AREA (CA) CHAPTER UMBRELLA

Sub-Facet – Signature: Links To Success “Links to Success: School Today, Careers Tomorrow, Success Forever”

Number of Members in Chapter: 40 Number of Members Participating in Program: 40 Number of People Served: 93 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 4 Location: Dominguez Hills, CA Funds Spent on Program: $304,750.00

Collaborators / Partners Involved: 1) Long Beach Unified School District provided technical and personnel support and administrative personnel. 2) California State University, Dominguez Hills provided facility. 3) California Academy of Math and Science provided a venue and administrative support. 4)Long Beach Unified School District provided transportation. 5) California State University, Dominguez Hills provided international curriculum / resource materials. 6) University of California, Irvine Medical School provided mentoring opportunities and workshops with young medical students. 7)Posse Foundation awarded three scholarships at $100,000 per student. 8) National Association of Black Engineers provided speakers. 9) Alpha Phi Alpha and Omega Psi Phi Fraternities provided mentors. 10) 100 Black Men, Long Beach Chapter provided mentors.

Goals and Objectives: 1. Increase the number of African American students at CAMS participation in the Science Opportunity Program whereby they would receive college credits while attending high school by fall 2013. 2. Provide a minimum of two (2) mentoring opportunities for participants to strengthen their awareness of STEM related career options via panel discussions with 100 Black Men of Long Beach and the National Association of Black Engineers. 3. Provide a minimum of two (2) opportunities to successfully thrive in a multicultural / multilingual workplace, community and society via educational tours to museums, concerts and plays, the Jet Propulsion Lab and Science Center. 4. Provide and promote a minimum of two (2) opportunities for students to effectively participate in supplementary STEM Education and Career Readiness Initiative (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities and MESA (Math, Engineering, and Science Achievement) activities at University of California Irvine Medical School, Doctors for Diversity and Charles Drew University. 5. Provide and promote a minimum of two (2) opportunities for students to participate in global careers, international affairs awareness, and foreign trade via the Long Beach Port and the Los Angeles Airport.

Program Summary / Impact: Harbor Area Chapter’s Links to Success: “School Today, Careers Tomorrow, Success Forever” is a unique program developed in 2008 and designed to cultivate, enhance, mentor, and empower African American students to excel in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math, and to simultaneously expose them to global college and career opportunities. African American students attending the California Academy of Math and Science (CAMS) located on the campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) constituted as program participants. Beginning their junior year of high school, CAMS students are given an opportunity to take college courses at CSUDH at no fee and ultimately earn an associate degree by the time they graduate high school. We endeavor to increase the number of program participants receiving college credit which ultimately decreases the financial burden of a college education. Through the creative design and collaborative efforts of each facet students continue to receive opportunities to experience viable internship placements within our service areas, mentoring opportunities with professionals in related careers, and exposure to more scholarship opportunities. During this program period three of our participants received full scholarships totaling $300,000 from the Posse Foundation, Inc. to prominent universities. The Posse Foundation philosophy is based on a comment made by a student who stated that “I’d never have dropped out of college if I had had my posse with me.” The Posse Foundation provides full scholarships and sends students to renowned universities in teams of ten students and provide emotional and academic support to ensure that all students complete their college education. Harbor Area Chapter has assisted in the development of future well prepared professionals, increased

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the amount of internships and scholarships awarded to African American CAMS students, expanded our partnerships, and increased our visibility within the community.”

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HAWAII (HI) CHAPTER UMBRELLA :: Education Linkage

“Links Connection: Bridges To Our Community”

Number of Members in Chapter: 23 Number of Members Participating in Program: 23 Number of People Served: 1,000 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 7 Location: Honolulu, HI Funds Spent on Program: $1,000.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: 1. The Honolulu Museum of Art is the state’s major culture and arts institutions, and never before has it made a commitment to promoting African-American culture and heritage as part of its mainstream programming, until collaboration with the Links and other community organization on the African American Film Festival in 2012. 2. Parents and Children Together (PACT), a family services agency, provides access to children in its program by opening up much needed mentoring from the Links. 3. The University of Hawaii Ethnic Studies Department wrote a grant application and partnered to sponsor the daylong workshop on campus for students to meet Links professionals. 4. The Fistula Foundation and White Ribbon Alliance, in which the Links Inc. is a member organization, provides ribbon pins, handouts, and materials to make presentations. Goals and Objectives: 1. To foster relationships, provide help, and establish connection with small minority populations in

Hawaii, particularly African Americans. 2. To raise overall awareness of the small but multi-faceted African-American community and African

American resources that exist. 3. To provide mentoring opportunities to Hawaii's under-served population. Program Summary / Impact: The primary goal is to foster relationships, provide help, and establish connections with small minority populations (particularly African Americans) in Hawaii, raising overall awareness of the small but multifaceted African American community and African American resources in one of the most multicultural states in the country. Our work helps newcomers, transient, and needy minorities in populations with less than 20 percent, particularly African Americans who make up less than 1 percent of the population. Collaborators include the University of Hawaii; African American Community Service Organizations, African American Churches, Branches of the Military, the Honolulu Museum of Arts, and Parents and Children Together. With National Trends taking the lead, each of the facets plan, develop, and implement programs and activities that make connections between The Links and the community. Events that feed into the program are the mentoring program established with Parents and Children Together, which helps to raise awareness of the Links organization and the opportunity to help needy children and families in the community. The African American Film Festival provides a showcase for African American culture and awareness. And the university mentoring program gives the chapter a chance to reach African American students who are new to Hawaii. Through this program and the accompanying activities, in a short span the chapter has been able to raise its visibility with hundreds of people in Hawaii who had been unaware of the organization. It has also, for the first time, directly established a relationship with students at the university by providing not only financial help for memberships to professional organizations, but personal help and involvement. Through the program, the Hawaii Chapter has truly been able to build bridges to the local community in unprecedented ways.

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LAS VEGAS (NV) CHAPTER UMBRELLA

“Yeas - Youth Enrichment, Academic Success”

Number of Members in Chapter: 38 Number of Members Participating in Program: 35 Number of People Served: 1,500 Number (Period) of Years Executed: Location: Las Vegas, NV Funds Spent on Program: $16,000.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: 1. Booker Elementary School, Rainbow Dreams Academy, Wendell P. Williams Elementary 2. Southern Nevada Black Nurses Association – active in the ‘Can You Imagine Me?’ project. 3. Additional Clark County School District Schools – poster art contest. 4. African dance troupe - held performances at the schools. 5. Von’s Grocery Store – participant in ‘Can You Imagine Me?’ project. 6. Smith Performing Arts Center staff; participated in the history alive program. 7. DJ-played music at walk-a-thon. 8. Sam’s Club – provided snacks for walk-a-thon. Goals and Objectives: 1. Provide exciting activities that teach 75 students the importance of maintaining healthy lifestyles and making positive choices 2. Implement meaningful activities and preventive efforts for a minimum of 100 students in an inner-city elementary school to raise awareness of bullying 3. Host a Walk A Thon each year involving the students from six inner-city schools to teach students the need for daily exercise 4. Hold cultural programs at two inner-city schools to enhance 100 students knowledge of African American heritage and promote high self esteem and respect for their culture. 5. Consistently develop and maintain an ongoing sustainable program that attracts the interest of other community organizations, sponsors and industry professionals to partner and/or collaborate with the Chapter through financial and/or in-kind support. Program Summary / Impact: The Las Vegas Chapter of the Links, Inc implemented a new signature umbrella program in 2012/13. The program includes activities that were ongoing in past years and new major projects for 2012/13. The program is “YEAS”, Youth Enrichment, Academic Success achieved through Mind, Body and Spirit. Each Facet developed a project/activity that related to the theme: promote youth enrichment through mind, body and spirit and aid to academic success. The program goal was to include activities/projects that will assist youth to deal with the numerous issues facing them today and make positive choices. The program includes activities that encourage healthy eating habits, exercising and bullying prevention. From a cultural prospective, events were held to expose students to cultural activities during Black History Month. The program was implemented in a low-income area that has a diverse population, large number of single parent homes and high crime/drug statistics, The outcomes are 1,500 inner-city youth with the ability to make healthy choices and become productive individuals in their communities. The program impacts over 1,500 youth. It was funded by grants, donations and Chapter funds and includes numerous in-kind contributions. The Chapter plans to institutionalize the program by developing plans to enhance and repeat the activities over the next four years.

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MISSOURI CITY (TX) CHAPTER UMBRELLA

Sub-Facet - National STEM Initiative “S.T.E.M.-ulation: Left Brain/Right Brain”

Number of Members in Chapter: 58 Number of Members Participating in Program: 56 Number of People Served: 400 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 5 Location: Houston, TX Funds Spent on Program: $87,110.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: E-STEM Academy - students are the STEM students The Ensemble Theater - provided space for activities and meetings Goals and Objectives: 1. To increase the number of students enrolled in S.T.E.M. based curricula by developing and

sponsoring an annual recruitment campaign for high school and universities. 2. To retain students enrolled in S.T.E.M. curricula through informal mentoring. 3. To increase overall TAKS/STAR scores (state-wide academic performance exams) through tutoring

and mentoring. 4. To create an awareness of and an interest in obtaining a S.T.E.M.- related college degree by

providing university educational experiences through experimental laboratory work with S.T.E.M. professors on an HBCU campus, Texas Southern University, and to increase the number of students accepted into 4 year colleges and universities with the intent to major in S.T.E.M. fields.

5. To increase students awareness of and interest in S.T.E.M.-related careers by providing reality-based field experiences which allow the students to interact with S.T.E.M. professionals within major Houston area corporations.

Program Summary / Impact: In July of 2008 MCCL formed a community collaborative partnership to address the increasing under-representation of minorities and women in STEM careers. The MCCL called upon the leadership, knowledge and positioning of its members at major corporations, institutions, medical facilities and Texas Southern University to propel the STEM charter school to next level. The resulting program is a true testament to the breadth and depth of the women and resources within the Links. The partnership resulted in the development of the S.T.E.M.-Ulation: Left Brain/Right Brain Program. The full brain approach reinforces the broad scope of S.T.E.M. competencies in the 21st century. The program seeks to prepare minorities and women to assume the role of problem-solver in the S.T.E.M.-related disciplines and careers. Each partner plays a significant role in the accomplishment of the four program components: recruitment, S.T.E.M. education, exposure to S.T.E.M. careers, and retention and support of students through mentoring and tutoring. The Recruitment Program and Parent Orientation are designed and implemented annually by MCCL. E-STEM Academy is the lead for the education component and will provide a rigorous S.T.E.M. academic curriculum to all the students. Texas Southern University, a HBCU, provides university experience and exposure through chemistry and biology labs which are conducted every Friday on TSU campus. The TSU classes are taught by S.T.E.M. professors and S.T.E.M. graduate students. MCCL takes the lead in providing the design, funding and implementation of reality-based field experiences which support the S.T.E.M. curriculum. The Ensemble Theatre provides meeting space as well as the venue for several of the field experiences. Lastly, informal tutoring and mentoring are provided through MCCL's Services to Youth Facet, the TSU STEM professors and graduates students to support the programs' retention goals. Working together these partners have committed time, money and resources to begin eliminating the STEM deficiency. The impact of the program will be far-reaching although currently it is still in its early stage. However, there are some early commendations which show very promising results.

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OAKLAND BAY AREA (CA) CHAPTER UMBRELLA

“Oakland Bay Area'sProgram”

Number of Members in Chapter: 53 Number of Members Participating in Program: 53 Number of People Served: 318 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 6 Location: Oakland, CA Funds Spent on Program: $33,824.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: Community Foundation of East Bay – support of Grandparents as Caregivers’ program AARP – support of ‘Grandparents as Caregivers’ program University of California at Berkeley - support to enable children to attend Alvin Ailey Dance performance. Goals and Objectives: “Enriching the entire child” to enable them to achieve academic, social, and health and wellness success has been at the core of our Program planning. This will be accomplished through the delivery of high quality enrichment umbrella program that creates and leverages the engagement of the Chapter Facets, resources of the community based organizations and business partners. This collaborative program has been designed to deliver a comprehensive multi-faceted approach to enrichment with activities designed to support the students and their families and evidenced by attainment of the goals. The specific Goals and measurements of the Chapter’s LETS program for the years 2011-2013 are to: 1. To improve the classroom learning experience through a variety of enriching activities and integrated initiatives designed to holistically embrace the whole child and family. The measurement is to see an improvement of 10% in overall test scores. 2. To increase the awareness and importance of health and healthy habits (how health contributes to increased learning) and address the relationship between physical and mental health. This will be evidenced by an increase in student attendance and a reduction in conflict incidences. The school’s recorded daily attendance during 2011 did improve to 92.6% 3. To expose children to a variety of integrated culture and arts experiences in support of Lafayette’s “Music Integrated Learning Experience’ program. Program Summary / Impact: The Oakland Bay Area Links program of Linking Enrichment to Success “LETS” is an established Umbrella program that provides purposeful and meaningful enrichment activities through community partnerships and collaborations. The LETS program was initially developed to help improve student academic performance at Lafayette Elementary School and has now expanded to include programs and activities to help enrich the life experience of each of the children. The LETS program has evolved and currently incorporates an expanded focus to include arts and fitness and healthy lifestyles. Also giving support to the extended family through the Grandparents program has been a special addition to the school community. The new school principal, Mrs. Eddie Scruggs-Smith is quite appreciative of the impact we have made thus far. “…I would like to add on behalf of the family and Lafayette Elementary, thank you for providing so much generous support. We are enriched and humbled by the kindness of Links sisterhood. You are truly a phenomenal group of women. “ Mrs. Smith.

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PALOS VERDES (CA) CHAPTER UMBRELLA

“Project Fresh Start”

Number of Members in Chapter: 37 Number of Members Participating in Program: 37 Number of People Served: 1,200 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 7 Location: Los Angeles County, CA Funds Spent on Program: $33,000.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: SRO Housing Corporation–provides housing and venue to provide services. Los Angeles Community Action Network–provides nutritional workshops and voter registration trainers and volunteers Shelter Partnership–provided clothing, goods and supplies Omega Psi Phi Fraternity – provided volunteers and workshop facilitators; Council Members Jan Perry and Jose Huizar– provided financial support and marketing. Alston-Bird, LLP – provides financial support and volunteers. Charles Drew University – provides educational facilitator and mobile testing vans. Dept. of Aging – provided the senior meals. Dept. of Mental Health–provides in-depth mental health services. Auxiliary to the Charles R. Drew Medical Society and The Charles R. Drew Medical Society provided speakers, health education materials and volunteers activities. Rolling Hills/Palos Verdes Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority-provided volunteers and workshop moderators. Dept of Public Health provided free flushots. Goals and Objectives: Project Fresh Start’s primary overarching goal is to improve the life skills of homeless and low-income individuals residing in Skid Row through continuous education, socialization, and community activities. 1. Assist a minimum of 50 individuals who live in emergency and transitional housing move into permanent supportive housing and gain independence. 2. Provide both individualized and group supportive services to homeless individuals in an effort to help them rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society. 3. Provide educational and nutritional workshops that promote healthy living. 4. Conduct periodic need assessments that identify the most pressing needs that exist in the Skid Row community. 5. Reduce the issue of isolation by hosting regular recreational and socialization activities. Program Summary / Impact: Project Fresh Start was created to help address the tremendous needs that existed in one of the most impoverished communities in the nation, Skid Row. Skid Row comprises of a 50 square block area in downtown Los Angeles. It is home to over 4,000 individuals who live on the streets, in shelters, and in places not meant for people to live. African Americans represent a disproportionate percentage of the homeless population in Skid Row and the nation.. Over fifty-percent (50%) of the homeless population in Skid Row are made up of African Americans. Many are elderly or disabled and a growing number are Veterans, women and children - all are poor. Project Fresh Start is National Trends and Services way of giving back to the residents of the Skid Row community. Thousands of homeless and low-income individuals lives have been transformed through the efforts of the Palos Verdes Links, Inc. Through the provision of a wide range of educational and nutritional workshops, recreational and social activities, and most importantly housing, community members are able to grow, thrive, and live independently. The Palos Verdes Links, Incorporated is committed to preserving and enhancing the dignity and self-respect of all persons who are in need of supportive services and housing. And Project Fresh Start is proud to have played a role in restoring a sense of dignity, civility, and respect to a population that is overlooked and habitually forgotten.

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PASADENA – ALTADENA (CA) CHAPTER UMBRELLA

Sub-Facet - National Mentoring Initiative

“Links Up for Success: Connecting Through Mentoring”

Number of Members in Chapter: 35 Number of Members Participating in Program: 35 Number of People Served: 130 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 3.75 Location: Pasadena, CA Funds Spent on Program: $20,000.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: JOHN MUIR HIGH SCHOOL recommended female students for program participants. PASADENA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT provided free fingerprinting and T.B. testing for mentors. FLINTRIDGE FOUNDATION provided mentor training workshops throughout the year. UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION in Pasadena provided a guest speaker and workshops for mentees and mentors. WESTERN JUSTICE CENTER provided a session on bullying. PASADENA TOURNAMENT OF ROSES arranged for Rose Queen to present a motivational workshop. The RED CROSS provided CPR training and certification. To add a STEM component to the program, we are collaborating with scientists and administrators of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. University of La Verne, Scripps College and UCLA are working with us to admit some of the students to their respective colleges. Goals and Objectives: 1. To identify and enroll a minimum of 15 African American females in a four year comprehensive mentoring program which will support their academic, health and social needs. 2. To provide one-on-one mentoring, group workshops and field trips for the selected female students at John Muir High School. 3. To train, monitor and assign mentors for each student/mentee in the program. 4. To transition the "Links Under the Roses" health program to focus on health issues that affect the "mentees". 5. To identify and recruit another class of 15 African American females every two years. Program Summary / Impact: Statistics show that African American Youth continue to lag behind in education and experience many health issues such as obesity, high blood pressure, and heart attacks that may lead to early deaths. After meeting with the principal at the local high school with a large African American population and looking at the school’s academic data for African Americans students, the Pasadena/Altadena Links saw the need to intervene on behalf of high-risk African American female. The "Links-Up for Success: Connecting Through Mentoring" program has been operational since 2009 and has enabled the Links to establish one-on-one mentoring relationships with young ladies to promote increased self-esteem, academic achievement, cultural awareness, and healthy lifestyles. The Links program was set to serve at least 15 freshmen (9th grade) female students the first year with a goal of adding new freshmen every other year while following each group through graduation and beyond. The program has been in operation for 3 years and we have provided over 60 workshops for the mentees, as well as, provided the girls with over 1,500 contacts of one-on-one mentoring support. The mentees and mentors also participated in field trips to local museums, the Lula Washington and Alvin Ailey dance performances, tour of the Democratic Headquarters, visits to local college campuses, etc. The program has proven to be successful based on feedback from the school principal, parents and mentees. The principal stated that the students involved in the mentoring program have shown improvement in attendance, behavior and grades. The parent survey results indicated that there was noticeable improvement in overall attitude about school, communication improved between the student and parent and they are very pleased with the extracurricular activities that the mentors have provided for the mentee which helps to expand their knowledge beyond the classroom. The survey results from the mentees indicate that they are learning new things, they like the contact and support they receive from their mentor and have committed to stay with the program through graduation and beyond.

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Overall we are pleased with the program and our goal is to continue to add new students and train new mentors to support the students.

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PLANO NORTH METROPLEX (TX) CHAPTER UMBRELLA

“INSPIRE”

Number of Members in Chapter: 55 Number of Members Participating in Program: 55 Number of People Served: 840 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 24 Location: Plano, TX Funds Spent on Program: $23,000.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: Summit Presenters: National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists, Texas Instruments, U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Dr. Warren Lee, IV, Dr. Wendy Parnell, Dr. Carlos Barge, Mrs. Tracie Kirkland, Dr. Linda Rodriguez, Summit participants - Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy; Mr. Fred Hudson – motivational presentation, Mr. Russell Maryland, Summit presenter, Richland College and Upward Bound – Summit partner; Plano Community charities – clothing, South Texas Dental – dental screenings, WalMart Vision – vision screenings. Goals and Objectives: To provide an educational program for families of African descent that will focus on their overall achievement, health and enrichment. Create an environment of empowerment where participants can set and achieve goals that will transform their lives. Program Summary / Impact: “Service is the rent we pay for living.” Marian Wright Edelman’s message resonates with the Plano North Metroplex Chapter’s commitment to friendship and service. The chapter’s program, “INSPIRE”, builds on a 24-year history of education, health, wellness, cultural and international achievement-based enrichment initiatives. Utilizing learning strategies that were innovative and interactive, the chapter increased awareness of educational and career opportunities within the STEM field -- preparing 21st century youth for the future with the purpose of producing strong talented minds. Four youth summits focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics with a special emphasis on aviation. A record number of students from grades 7 to 12 attended, quadrupling participation. Target groups were empowered to live their best lives by planning for a future that is financially sound and preparing to achieve success for themselves and their families. The red dress brunch affirmed the importance of taking care of our hearts. It reached new levels of awareness with diverse women of African descent sharing life-saving regimens while celebrating their uniqueness and style. Through its network of more than 25 partners including colleges, school districts, government agencies, corporations and professional associations, the Plano North Metroplex chapter is committed to achieving transformative change that is sustainable and meaningful. In the truest essence of service and friendship, collectively they are challenging the status quo, daring to change the equation to enhance the quality of life in the African American community.

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PORT CITY (TX) CHAPTER UMBRELLA

Sub-Facet - National Childhood Obesity Initiative “Links Involved 'N Kids and Supporting Healthy Lifestyles”

Number of Members in Chapter: 55 Number of Members Participating in Program: 54 Number of People Served: 930 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 2 Location: Houston, TX Funds Spent on Program: $20,750.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: Port City Chapter partnered with the Recipe for Success for the culinary and gardening classes, The Ensemble Theater Guild for the Santa at the Ensemble activity, and South Central Sportz Little League, METRO for the Health Science and Education fair. Goals and Objectives: 1. Provide activities to enrich the students' physical and mental wellness through exercise, art, music

and knowledge of other cultures at Codwell, Gregg and MacGregor Elementary Schools. Also provide activities to enhance reading and comprehension skills to elementary school students at Gregg Elementary School.

2. Provide a unique opportunity for the families in the community through participation at our annual Science, Health and Education Fair which focus on the national STEM Initiative and health and fitness.

3. Sustain the relationship we have established with Codwell, Gregg and MacGregor Elementary Schools.

Program Summary / Impact: The Links Involved 'N Kids and Supporting Healthy Lifestyles is a multifaceted program designed by the Port City Chapter of Links, Inc. to target the increasing rate of childhood obesity and raise awareness by encouraging a healthy lifestyle through education, increased physical activities and making healthy food choices to elementary school-aged children and their families who attend schools in the Houston I.S.D. Statistics reveal high childhood obesity rates of minority elementary school age children and their families in the city of Houston, which ranks in the top 10 of the U.S. fattest cities. In partnership with the school administration and staff at Codwell, Gregg and MacGregor Elementary Schools, the Recipe for Success staff and with the support of our many sponsors, our prevention of childhood obesity programming has reached 425 students in grades first through five at the three Houston I.S.D. elementary schools. The chapter members have worked to develop multifaceted programming to promote healthy lifestyles to the students and their families by sponsoring educational workshops on proper footwear for healthy feet, healthy snack options, increased physical activity/exercise and international dance classes, the local poster art competition, literacy contests promoting health and fitness related books and sponsoring a science, health and education fair. Linking with other community groups and, we have been able to support an annual holiday project, "Santa at the Ensemble" at the Ensemble Theater serving over 200 underprivileged children. For the past seven years, the members of Port City Chapter have hosted the Science, Health and Education Fair. The fair includes over 40 booths and activities with over 250-400 visitors attending each year. The purpose for the fair is to bring the community together to become better informed and to live healthier lives. Our program has had a powerful impact on Houston's south central community. Our goal is to continue programming to help decrease the high childhood obesity rate in the Houston area.

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SAN DIEGO (CA) CHAPTER UMBRELLA

“The Achiever Program”

Number of Members in Chapter: 41 Number of Members Participating in Program: 41 Number of People Served: 20 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 26 Location: San Diego County, CA Funds Spent on Program: $100,000.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: The San Diego Chapter of The Links, Inc. have collaborated with schools throughout the county to help promote the program and assist in the nomination process. Also, community churches, community centers and libraries have provided support for meeting facilities and sponsorships. Community groups such as the Alpha Pi Boule’ have been supportive and active in the Mentor Program and giving scholarships. We have hosted joint social and educational activities with Jack and Jill youth, the Delta Sigma Theta Foundation “Leadership Interns” and The Boule’s “Boys to Men” program. This year we were welcomed by the campus of Francis Parker School to utilize their beautiful facilities for many of our workshops and activities. We have in the past and continue to establish great relationships with institutions of higher learning such as San Diego State University and University of California and Point Loma Nazarene University to provide services ranging from facility use to college experience. Goals and Objectives: 1. To train young African American males to become leaders. 2. To provide workshops that enhance our students’ college choices, guide them be better college

“fits” and put people and tools in their lives that keep them focused throughout their entire college matriculation and beyond.

3. To provide successful professional Mentors with whom they may build lifelong relationships; 4. To provide financial assistance in the form of scholarships; 5. To provide a supportive network in the community that will help to insure successfully achieving

their college and career goal.

Program Summary / Impact: We, the members of the San Diego Chapter, are dedicated and determined to making an impact on 20 to 25 young African American Male High School Seniors each year. Although it seems like a small number of students we choose to participate in the program each year, we feel we can have a larger impact on a smaller number. We have the support of the community. We have the support of High Schools’ Principals and Academic Counselors. We have the support of Educated, Successful Businessmen who serve, and willingly, as Mentors to these young men. Our Workshops continue to become more refined and defined as to be relevant to today’s needs and requirements for success. Success in not only getting into college, but completing their bachelors and in many cases continuing on to a graduate degree. We are finding more ways to collaborate with other organizations, to secure in-kind resources for the program and we are having more success with the grant writing process. Thanks to some very talented members in our chapter, we are receiving monies from corporations to whom we have submitted grant applications. With plans in the works to expand our program to the 11th grade over the next few years, along with other positive refinements, we feel we are moving forward and rededicating our commitment to this program and to the city and county of San Diego.

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SAN FERNANDO VALLEY (CA) CHAPTER UMBRELLA

“Project S.E.L.F. Cultivating Leadership by Building Self-Esteem through Service, Enrichment and Life Skills for the Future”

Number of Members in Chapter: 23 Number of Members Participating in Program: 21 Number of People Served: 229360 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 4 Location: San Fernando Valley, CA Funds Spent on Program: $850.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: LAUSD Reseda Church of Christ Raytheon provided STEM presenters A Child of Haiti Through the director's presentation, we were able to glean information about the importance of water purification which led to a Math activity regarding water purification Alicia Broadous Duncan Multipurpose Senior Center B.I.G. (Blacks In Gaming) T Goals and Objectives: 1. Provide an array of mentoring, tutoring, and nurturing services to 29 eight and nine year old third

graders who have academic and social developmental needs. 2. Assist in closing the achievement gap by targeting students in elementary and middle school with a

focus on academics. 3. Focus on parent/family empowerment by sharing evident based techniques to help parents

proactively direct their child’s education. 4. Continue collaborations with organizations that enhance the efforts of the program. 5. At the end of each school year, through a series of interactive exercises, children and parents will

learn how to develop and nurture strong partnerships between families, educators and the communities.

Program Summary / Impact: Through Project S.E.L.F., the San Fernando Valley (CA) Chapter of the Links Inc. has been able to provide opportunities for students of African descent to enhance academic skills, develop self-expression, self-confidence and self-discipline through community-based activities. For the past 2 years, the chapter has focused on STEM related activities to address the under-representation of students of color pursuing careers in the fields of STEM.

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SOLANO (CA) CHAPTER UMBRELLA :: Signature-Links To Success

“Links to Success: Children Achieving Excellence”

Number of Members in Chapter: 27 Number of Members Participating in Program: 27 Number of People Served: 229 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 7 Location: Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District Funds Spent on Program: $2,000.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: •Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District. •North Vallejo Health Clinic. •Solano Community College. •Vallejo City Unified School District. Goals and Objectives: 1. Provide an array of mentoring, tutoring, and nurturing services to 29 eight and nine year old third

graders who have academic and social developmental needs. 2. Assist in closing the achievement gap by targeting students in elementary and middle school with a

focus on academics. 3. Focus on parent/family empowerment by sharing evident based techniques to help parents

proactively direct their child’s education. 4. Continue collaborations with organizations that enhance the efforts of the program. 5. At the end of each school year, through a series of interactive exercises, children and parents will

learn how to develop and nurture strong partnerships between families, educators and the communities.

Program Summary / Impact: The Solano County (CA) Chapter Adopt A Classroom- implementing our program theme “Links To Success II – Children Achieving Excellence”-is an educational-based program that has continued to be a prominent initiative for the chapter. It was designed to provide tutorial service to improve mathematics and reading skills of third and fifth grade student at specific elementary schools in Solano County (CA). Over a seven-year period, the chapter has forged a viable and active relationship with Solano County community and our adopted classrooms. This relationship has assisted in increased scores for children in our targeted classrooms, and former tutored students are now enrolled in classes that meet college-entry requirements. The program includes a variety of appropriate activities that are designed to enhance, nurture and enrich the personal growth and development of our children through exposure to cultural and art activities. The president of the local community college requested that our chapter become an integral partner during the formation of the Solano County Education Initiative Collaboration. The mission of the Solano County Education Initiative Collaboration is to help African American children succeed in school; assist parents in identifying their child’s gifts and learning styles; develop appropriate strategies and parent-teacher collaboration. Chapter members volunteered more than 2000 hours mentoring, tutoring and providing other services to targeted students. A survey of test data demonstrated the need, and our targeted students’ standardized test scores indicated that 73% of third graders scored proficient and above in English/language arts and 72% were proficient and above in mathematics at the end of the school year. Current school district benchmark data indicates that 88% of the third graders scored proficient and above in mathematics. English/Language Arts scores were increased by 14% to 86%. The fifth grade data demonstrated a 17% increase on English/Language Arts and a remarkable 44% increase in mathematics. The most outstanding qualities of this program are: 1) A direct impact on students’/families’ social and educational needs; 2) Collaboration with other community agencies, encouraging them to give time and resources to support students’ academic growth.

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TEXAS SPRING CYPRESS (TX) CHAPTER UMBRELLA

Sub-Facet - Signature-Project Lead

“JEWELS: Justly Empowering Women Eager to Live Successfully”

Number of Members in Chapter: 51 Number of Members Participating in Program: 51 Number of People Served: 52 (34 completed) Number (Period) of Years Executed: 6 Location: Northwest Houston, TX Funds Spent on Program: $16,398.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: Serenity Health Care, PA and June Williams Colman, M.D., was an underwriter of The JEWELS kick-off event, Childhood Obesity workshops and culminating program recognition ceremony. An AT&T community outreach group – ‘Pioneers’ financially supported the program activities for the JEWELS including student recognition awards. Girls, Inc., design and delivery of workshops based on school administration, parents and students assessments. Lily Grove Baptist Church was our community partner to transport the hygiene kits to Haiti on our behalf.

Goals and Objectives: 1. To increase students self esteem through targeted workshops and individualized positive

reinforcement 2. To ensure Jewels’ ability to define appropriate and inappropriate behavior in dress, social settings

and relationships, i.e. Life Skills. 3. To expose participants to three educational and cultural enrichment activities each academic year. 4. To introduce Middle School students to banking principles in an effort to establish an early

foundation for financial responsibility 5. To ensure100% of participants are promoted to the next grade level and at least 20% are among

the top academic performers at the annual Awards Ceremony for their school.

Program Summary / Impact: The Texas Spring Cypress Links mentor approximately 40 elementary school and middle school-aged, “at-risk” girls who reside in the Acres Home community of Houston, Texas. The girls selected to be members of the program known as The JEWELS: Justly Empowering Women Eager to Live Successfully receive academic enrichment, cultural, and societal skills training through structured Chapter activities.

During the past 4 years of our program, M.C. Williams Middle School earned an improved state standardized test rating of Recognized. The Texas Spring Cypress Chapter then expanded its mentoring program through a formal collaboration with Osborne Elementary School and a signed Memorandum of Understanding with our newest service partner, Girls, Inc. www.girlsinc.org, a national organization which develops research-based informal education programs that encourage girls to take risks and master physical, intellectual and emotional challenges. We are extremely proud of this engagement. Our partnership with the Houston Independent School district and school trustee, Rhonda Skilleren-Jones, has resulted in improvement to school grounds, the addition of 30 laptop carts to support our STEM workshops, and, more broadly, it has spawned a school district funding request for laptop computer installations district wide. Additionally, The impact of The JEWELS Program and/or related fundraising efforts have been highlighted in the Houston Independent School District Newsletter, The Defender community newspaper and the Houston Chronicle, our largest news distribution. This 6 year program resulted in improved test scores for participants, enhanced social skills, and increased self- confidence and self-esteem. Three (3) JEWELS were recognized among the top 10 students in the 2012. Further, the principal of our middle school, Delesa Thomas referenced this program as a success factor in her interview for a much sought after principal position for a new all girls

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STEM magnet school and was selected for the position. Perhaps the most important impact for the Texas Spring Cypress Chapter is that we were asked by our State Representative, Sylvester Turner and middle school principal, Delesa Thomas to replicate this program in other schools.

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TRINITY (TX) CHAPTER UMBRELLA :: National STEM Initiative

“So SMAART- S. T. E. M.-ULATION: Left Brain – Right Brain”

Number of Members in Chapter: 44 Number of Members Participating in Program: 44 Number of People Served: 183 (50 completed program)Number (Period) of Years Executed: 12 Location: Dallas, TX Funds Spent on Program: $98,365.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: 1) American Airlines Technology Group. 2) Dallas County Community Colleges. 3) Dallas Independent School District. 4) AMR. 5) Exxon/Mobil Foundation. 6) Girls, Inc. 7) Museum Of Nature And Science. 8) Dallas Black Dance Theatre. 9) Dallas Museum Of Art. 10) Texas Instruments. 11) Susan G. Komen. 12) The Black Academy of Arts And Letters. 13) Perot Museum Of Nature & Science. Goals and Objectives: 1) To provide thirteen (13) hours of targeted sessions at each of 3 sites with career awareness

education focused on strengthening participants’ skills, abilities, and talents during grades 4-7; 2) To highlight and reward participants who consistently excel in their educational and personal development by increasing the number of girls who apply for summer camp scholarships by 20% over the applications received in 2012; 3) To provide hands-on technical instruction for 100% of the girls with the support of our community partner American Airlines’ Information and Technology Group; 4) To provide at least four (4) field trips or workshops each school year to museums and monthly discussions with experts to assist the girls in recognizing how STEM careers affect their daily lives, and 5) To partner with NASA, the local HBCU Paul Quinn College and Mountain View Community College to incorporate Robotics into the So SMAART program by providing two (2) workshops during the school year.

Program Summary / Impact: So SMAART is an early intervention program to mentor minority girls, grades 4-7, on STEM careers. Approximately 100 participants are selected from three Dallas schools: T. L. Marsalis and Thomas Tolbert Elementary and W. H. Atwell Middle School. Trinity members interact with the girls during monthly work sessions and field trips as well as summer enrichment camps. As an umbrella program, Facets Chairs plan and coordinate sessions that require participation of all Trinity members, with the support of corporate partner volunteers.

Highlights of the 2011-2012 school year include activities such as the Diabetes Health and Wellness Walk, the Dallas Museum of Nature and Science’s Technology Week, and the study of Dr. Bernard Harris’ autobiography “Dream Walker.” Included for 2012-2013, the girls attended the opera “Dr. Miracle” and experienced robotics at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science during its “sold out” opening month.

So SMAART graduates are given priority consideration for Trinity’s college scholarships. Trinity has awarded several successful So SMAART graduates with scholarships, including our 2012 recipient, Cobria Grant. Due to the longevity of the program, Trinity has witnessed the positive impact of So SMAART first-hand. Another success example is Lakesha Clark, our Math Specialist at Marsalis Elementary, who is a graduate of the So SMAART program and now instructs our current So SMAART girls. A Prairie View University graduate, Lakesha was crowned Miss PVU and competed for Miss Texas America. Her platform was “Girls involved in STEM”!

Our programming has been recognized as a Best Practice Umbrella Program at both the Western Area Conference and National Assembly in 2011 and 2012. So SMAART provides meaningful, non-traditional career awareness education, workshop learning, field trips and hands-on experiences for

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participants. Our girls are truly becoming Set on Science and Engineering, Math, the Arts, Aviation, Reading and Technology; they are “So SMAART”.

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Early childhood research has proven that the study of art helps to foster many of the characteristics that can achieve academic success. Due to economic changes the study of art has disappeared from many classrooms, and inner city schools bear a disproportionate share of this loss. With this knowledge it is important for art be an integral part of programming that each chapter brings to their community. The Arts Facet has expanded from the emphasis on visual and performing arts to incorporate all the art disciplines. The four programs within the Arts Facet are:

1. The Signature Arts Program - Classics Through the Ages 2. National Poster Art Competition

3. Arts Integration 4. Public Art

Classics Through the Ages addresses the situation/problem that African Americans are under-represented in every aspect of the classical arts. This program offers talented youth "Master Classes" with instruction provided by classical artists. Classical art education is provided through hands-on learning, programming, peer mentoring and community partnerships. Many of the art disciplines include the performing arts, graphic design and photography. Currently 55 Chapters across Linkdom are participating in this Signature Program and13 of those chapters are in the Western Area.

National Poster Art Competition focuses on healthy life styles. Students create posters with messages about healthy food, exercise and other healthy life style choices. This program is open to youth in grades 1 - 12. The National Poster Art Competition is also designed to provide first place winners with modest scholarships and a chance to be recognized in their communities and at a National Assembly. 69 Chapters across Linkdom participated in the 2011 - 2012 Poster Art Competition and 20 of those chapters were from the Western Area.

Arts Integration is the process by which we make art a part of all of our programming efforts. An arts program can support other facet's goals or be part of an umbrella program through various activities such as: - A Health Fair that can incorporate a Poster Art Competition - A field trip to a museum or a music performance - Add the A, the arts, into a STEM program and produce STEAM to creatively provide art components to the overall programming.

The focus of the Public Art program, the newest component of the Arts Facet, is to open more opportunities for public recognition of artists of color. This can be accomplished by: Being an advocate by informing community sponsors of our interest to include African American artists; participate by encouraging African American artists to register with local Arts Councils; sponsor a project where local artists are recognized. "Our Faces, Our Heroes" is an exciting component of this program which is designed to provide a visual Links legacy in our communities and will open more opportunities for public recognition of African American artists. Program guidelines are flexible and easy to follow. Invite local artists to participate by creating portraits of one or more local heroes in two or three dimensions: Paintings; drawings; photographs; sculptures. For information on program guidelines and on how your chapter can participate visit the national website's Members Only Section.

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Houston (TX) CHAPTER THE ARTS

Sub-Facet - Classics Through the Ages

“Classics Through The Ages”

Number of Members in Chapter: 59 Number of Members Participating in Program: 30 Number of People Served: 200 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 6 Location: Houston, TX Funds spent on program: &7,000.00 Collaborators/Partners Involved: Museum of Fine Arts Houston; Houston Ballet; Houston Ballet Center for Dance; HEB; Wortham Theatre; Jones Hall; Houston Museum of African American Culture; Urban Souls Dance Company; Community Artists Collective. Goals and Objectives: - To introduce at-risk students to the performing and visual arts; to help students form a lasting

appreciation for the performing and visual arts and to become aware of the arts as a viable career option.

- To help students understand how their education, self esteem, and personal health can benefit from frequent exposure to the arts; to provide students opportunities to experience nationally-important fine art exhibits and experience performances of regionally and nationally renowned dance troupes.

- To form a stronger bond between the arts community and at-risk educational institutions; bring regionally and nationally-renowned artists into the classroom in addition to taking students to artistic exhibitions/performances; work with teachers to extend students’ experiences of the arts with additional resources provided by community artist and the business community.

- Program Summary / Impact: Our goal with this project was to open new worlds for students in some of our most at-risk schools. We wanted students to see the unlimited horizons offered by the visual and performing arts. We wanted them to recognize that it does not require large sums of money to enjoy venues like museums or activities like dance. Most importantly, we wanted them to view the arts as a possible career option. As they are learning, some of the world’s greatest African-American artists have come from very humble beginnings, and some of the most accomplished African Americans in all fields have cited the arts as one way they were able to envision greater possibilities for themselves.

This is our desire for these children. The best news is that we have already begun to see the benefits of our modest programming in students’ quests to learn more and to see themselves as potential dancers or artists. We have even heard from students that their interest in school has improved. Although tough research suggests a correlation between exposure to the arts and academic achievement, we were surprised that our future direction is to incorporate more arts programming into these two schools, and to expand our reach to more area schools. We look forward to persuading major institutions like the Houston Ballet and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston to provide even more diverse programming for families in our community at little or no cost.

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SAN JOSE (CA) CHAPTER THE ARTS

Sub-Facet – Classics Through the Ages

“Celebration of the Arts; Spring Recital 2012”

Number of Members in Chapter: 30 Number of Members Participating in Program: 25 Number of People Served: 200 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 6 Location: San Jose, CA Funds spent on program: $2,285.00 Collaborators/Partners Involved: Gamma Chi Member Boule; Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity; Santa Clara Alliance of Black Educators; Randolph School of Music; Evergreen School of Music; Pamela Paige String Students; Buscher Middle School String Orchestra; Santa Clara Unified School District; Charles & Saphrona Alexander (provided art that was displayed); Roosevelt Bynum (Photographer; Displayed photos and took pictures of the event); Patrons of the Celebrations of the Arts. Goals and Objectives: - To identify exemplary student artists and create opportunities to hone their talent - Develop education and community partnerships to optimize impact and leverage chapter

resources. - Provide musical stipends, master classes and workshops with hands-on learning experiences for

student artists. Program Summary / Impact: Fifteen of our students, grades 3 through 12 are presented in concert along with framed art pieces by local artists at Le Petit Trianon Theatre. It is an afternoon of classical music, followed by a reception in the Versailles Garden of the theatre. Each of the young and talented students represent the diversity of the 21st century Silicon Valley.

In our sixth year of presentation, the artists represent a string orchestra, piano, violin, viola, clarinet, saxophone and a final vocal selection. The community partners for this event are local school districts, private music schools, and music teachers that have nominated each of the students. The Santa Clara Alliance of Black Educators provide a large pool of participants.

The Arts Facet of the San Jose Chapter completed and presented the sixth concert on Sunday, April, 28, 2012, following the national service delivery Model. The members of the Arts Facet envisioned a program of the classics for young people in our community beginning in 2001. Initially in 2001 we sponsored an art exhibit of visual art works by students in Santa Clara County. We partnered with the San Jose Museum of Art. The students work was on display for two weeks. The local schools scheduled field trips to view work. Many of these students felt like “rock stars” because of their experience. The art exhibit continued for three years. Due to drastic budget cuts our partnership with the San Jose Museum of Art was severed. Work began by members of the Arts Facet to re-think how we could impact the arts. The first music recital was sponsored Sunday, April 23, 2006.

In addition to the students we have met we are just as proud of the student string orchestra that performs in the lobby as our guests arrive. There musicians are outstanding and our guests are awed by their talent.

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Congratulations to my Sister Links from the Western Area on their commitment to Health and Human Services Programming. This has been another successful two years and your devotion toward addressing pressing health needs within our community is exemplary.

For the biennial reporting period, 13 chapters submitted programs under the Health and Human Services Facet focused on such health issues as AIDS, cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and breast cancer.

Our Western Area leadership team has created our STEPS chapter concept to encourage chapters to progress to umbrella programming. Included within the STEPS chapter designation is a focus on obesity, a key area of importance for Western area programming which is being embraced by our chapters. Overall, we had 20 chapters reporting programs targeting obesity. Western Area Chapters demonstrated excellence as recipients of competitive awards to support obesity programming. Five chapters received obesity funding from Safeway: Bakersfield (CA), Beverly Hills West (CA), Denver (CO), Greater Denton County (TX), and Las Vegas (NV). Four Western Area Chapters received obesity funding from General Electric: Albuquerque (NM), Beverly Hills (CA), Denver (CO), and Houston (TX). In addition, three chapters received obesity funding from the GM Foundation including Bakersfield (CA), Ft. Bend (TX), and Los Angeles (CA).

Seven Western Area chapters received a $500 HeartLinks to Heart Health incentive grant, over 1/3 of those awarded within Linkdom! Congratulations to Beverly Hills West (CA), Fort Worth (TX), Missouri City (TX), Pasadena/Altadena (CA), South Bay (CA), Texas Cypress Springs (TX), Town Lake (TX). Overall, 12 chapters submitted reports focused on cardiovascular disease. Our chapters worked in collaboration with many community organizations and programs such as the American Heart Association, The American Diabetes Association, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and the Mayo Clinic. Chapters reported receipt of over $17,000 in grant funding for health related programming as well as over $100,000 in kind donations! As we move forward with excellence in Health and Human Service Programming, let us continue to move our programming to the next level of excellence using the service delivery model to guide our way in programming. Chapters are encouraged to familiarize themselves with our Health and Human Services National Initiatives including Heartlinks to Heart Health, Linkages to Life, Walk for a Healthy Living, National Childhood Obesity, and Breast Cancer.

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AUSTIN (TX) CHAPTER Health and Human Services

“Linking Mind, Body, and Soul through H.O.P.E. (Healthy Opportunities/Options Provided /Promoted for Everyone)”

Number of Members in Chapter: 40 Number of Members Participating in Program: 35 Number of People Served: 429 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 9 Location: Austin, Texas Funds Spent on Program: Collaborators / Partners Involved: 1. The American Cancer Society- materials, volunteers, advertising, wig/head cover dissemination 2. Susan G. Komen- materials, information, staff support 3. Seton Health Care Family-materials, information 4. Heritage Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center- staff support, equipment 5. Maggie Johnson Nursing Home-staff support 6. Settlement Home- meeting place, electronic equipment 7. Oak Spring Elementary-staff, volunteers Goals and Objectives: 1. Provide social and cognitive stimulation at least once each program month (September-June) for

residents of each of two long-term care facilities with special emphasis on those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

2. Provide health literacy and disease prevention information to at least 500 African-Americans living in the service area of the Austin Chapter of Links, Incorporated with special emphasis on cancer and cardiovascular disease.

3. Provide resources to frail elderly residents of two long-term care facilities. 4. Provide health and nutrition information to children and families (and teens) to increase health

literacy about obesity, physical activity, and nutrition. 5. Partner with Girls Scout Troop 1679 to address breast cancer awareness and advocacy. Program Summary / Impact: The Austin Chapter’s efforts to provide a comprehensive health and wellness program is dedicated to the overarching goal of reducing documented health disparities in African American and economically depressed communities within our service area. Specific attention is directed toward Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and childhood obesity. At two long-term care facilities whose resident populations are primarily comprised of minorities, our members provide monthly opportunities for cognitive stimulation, social interaction, orientation, reminiscence, spa activities, and holiday celebrations and gifts. Our health literacy efforts occur on HBCU campus, salons, churches, and health and wellness related events, and schools. We work to enhance physical appearance and mental well being of cancer survivors by donating wigs and scarves. Increasing community health literacy and awareness of health disparities can serve to enlighten individuals of their role in city, state, and national efforts to decrease and eventually eliminate serious illnesses caused by our lifestyle choices.

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M ISSOURI CITY (TX) CHAPTER HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

“Passport to STEMulating Healthy Lifestyle”

Number of Members in Chapter: 58 Number of Members Participating in Program: 56 Number of People Served: 400 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 1 Location: Southeast Houston Funds Spent on Program: $11,000.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: American Heart Association Prairie View A & M Texas Southern University Baylor Medical Center Anatomy Lab The Ensemble Theatre Goals and Objectives: 1. To expose an inter-generational audience to the increased mortality and morbidities associated with

chronic illness. 2. To educate the target audience on the etiology of the five (6) diseases that most adversely affect

minority populations -- hypertension, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, stroke and cancer. 3. To empower the target audience to make better long-term choices to empower them to make

positive health decisions outside of the norms of their community through improved self-esteem. 4. To expose the target audience to minority professionals in health-related careers to plant the desire

to achieve in STEM-related fields. 5. To teach the target audience through behavior modification the implementation of healthy lifestyles

to ultimately break the cycle of unhealthy choices. Program Summary / Impact: In summary, "Passport to STEMulating Healthy Lifestyle" offers an opportunity for the family to look at, evaluate, and modify family trends that represent unhealthy behavioral choices and patterns over three generations. This look in the rearview mirror occurs in a non-threatening environment and is self-directed. The activities, lectures, and discussions are planned and designed to support and encourage families to begin to make better choices and to examine lifestyle choices and behaviors that over three generations has led to the families being adversely affected by hyptertension, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, stroke, and cancer. Participation in this program will have long-term impact presently, but more importantly, in the future. This program has the potential to modify a families long-term behavior patterns enough to either lower their risk of hypertension, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, stroke, and/or cancer or to demonstrate to the family how behavioral modification can eliminate the risk of these diseases, especially for the middle school student participants. Further, the exposure that this program offers to health-related careers and women role models who work in these careers will impact the lives of the youth in ways that cannot be measured.

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PHOENIX (AZ) CHAPTER HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

“The Coalition of Blacks Against Breast Cancer (CBBC)”

Number of Members in Chapter: 36 Number of Members Participating in Program: 35 Number of People Served: 350 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 2 Location: Phoenix, AZ Funds Spent on Program: $5,500.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: The primary three organizations involved in the CBBC are the Links, Mayo Clinic, and Gamma Mu Boule. Other involved organizations with launching CBBC and/ or continued involvement include Arizona State University (ASU), , The Wellness Community, The Center for African American Health, The Arizona Chapter of the National Medical Association, The Black Nurses Association, The Black Chamber of Commerce, Sistas of Arizona, and Bodies by Leverett ( a local Black owned plastic surgery practice).The Phoenix Affiliate of Komen has provided training to our breast cancer survivors to become community health educators so that they can begin our educational outreach into the community. They have learned fact and figures about breast health and breast cancer. Subteams for the Komen Race for the Cure include: Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity,Jack and Jill, and Mocha Moms. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 1. Creation of a support group for Black breast cancer survivors (men and women) that meet on a

regular basis with at least 10 or more survivors attending every meeting within first year. 2. Creation of a website targeted at the Black community to provide information about breast cancer.

Also on the website will be stories of at least 3 breast cancer survivors to illustrate the fact that people survive and thrive after breast cancer.

3. Development of plans for breast cancer education for the community as championed by the breast cancer survivors to be initiated in year 2 of the CBBC existence.

PROGRAM SUMMAY / IMPACT Within the African American community of Phoenix, there is a lower incidence of mammography screening and a higher breast cancer death rate compared to the Caucasian population. The need to dispel myths concerning diagnosis, screening, treatment, and to change the community’s misconceptions about the disease were identified as issues to address to impact breast cancer health disparities. Within the Phoenix metro area, there was no group specifically targeting African Americans with breast cancer related to breast cancer education and support networks. Additionally, no websites provide information regarding breast cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment for the Phoenix Black population. To address these issues, the CBBC was formed with the mission to provide high quality, reliable information and support to black breast cancer patients within the Phoenix metropolitan area, in a safe and supportive environment, and to educate the black community about breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, and screening. Working with our community partners, the CBBC has provided Black breast cancer survivors a safe and supportive environment in which to share their triumphs and their struggle. We have launched a community education program about breast cancer screening utilizing African American breast cancer survivors who share their breast cancer journey as a means to educate about the importance of breast cancer screening.

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PORTLAND (OR) CHAPTER HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

“The African-American AIDS Awareness Action Alliance (A6)”

Number of Members in Chapter: 27 Number of Members Participating in Program: 11 Number of People Served: 9731 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 10 Location: Portland, OR Funds Spent on Program: $170,600.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: Albina Ministerial Alliance (AMA) - (Planning, staff support and Facilities);Oregon State DHS/HIV Prevention Programs- (Planning, staff support, grant, in-kind services);Human Services/Public Health Division/Office of Multicultural Health- (Planning, grant); Multnomah County Health Department- (Planning, free testing); Cascade AIDS Project - (Grant funding, staff support) Planned Parenthood of Multnomah County- (Facility, staff support); White Rose Educational Fund, Incorporated -(Grant sponsor); Portland State University¬ (Facility, Student Body Organizations); East Portland Community Center Teen Program - (Workshops);Portland Community College, Cascade Campus- ¬ (Facility);Urban League of Portland -(Planning); Self-Enhancement, Inc.- (Youth involvement); Senator Jackie Winters-(Relationship Building with Orphan Foundation Fund);Jefferson High School¬ (Facility); Black Parent Initiative-(Planning); Delta Sigma Theta Sorority-(Funding, Workshops); Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Goals and Objectives: 1. To plan and coordinate annual HIV/AIDS events: World AIDS Day, National Black HIV/AIDS

Awareness Day, the Balm of Gilead Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS, National Women & Girls HIV Awareness Day; “For Colored Girls Health Fair” and other co-sponsored HIV/AIDS events.

2. To successfully implement the A6/AMA Grant Project so that the capacity building grant will be funded for two additional years.

3. To monitor the A6 Strategic Plan and Service Delivery Model each quarter to ensure that we are meeting our milestones.

Program Summary / Impact: The African-American AIDS Awareness Action Alliance (A6), is in its tenth year of operation. The program audience ages range from youth to senior citizens. Key to A6's success is our work with the faith based community. The Albina Ministerial Alliance (AMA), in partnership with (A6) is implementing a pilot project in five to eight faith houses to develop and implement a program to address core social determinants related to HIV/AIDS and sexual health disparities. This project is a direct result of the many years of collaboration between AMA/A6 and other community organizations involved in HIV/AIDS prevention and support. The House of Faith Community Health Worker work group has developed a project framework in partnership with and initiated by the African American faith community that will provide respectful and culturally appropriate methods for addressing sexual health issues through the involvement of peers as community health workers and by utilizing empowering and participatory methods for community involvement. The NAACP’s The Black Church & HIV series is used as reference guides. "To Educate, Empower and Embrace African-Americans Ending HIV, Together We Can Win!" remains constant as our mantra.

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SOUTH BAY (CA) CHAPTER HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

“Faith, Inspiration, Transformation (F.I.T.) Program”

Number of Members in Chapter: 30 Number of Members Participating in Program: 20 Number of People Served: 32 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 1 Location: South Bay Area, CA Funds Spent on Program: $500.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: 1. Revelation Christian Fellowship Church: regularly hosted our F.I.T. program, helped plan events, at

provided in-kind donations, advertising 2. American Heart Association: co-facilitators of our annual Heart Truth conference, cooking

demonstration, red dress pins and health information, participated in the initial presentations 3. Davis Street Family Resource Center: advertising events among their clients and on their Website. Goals and Objectives: 1. Participants in our F.I.T. program will learn how to maintain a food journal and gain useful

knowledge about the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. 2. Participants will be taught how to modify and select healthy alternatives to the high fat, high caloric

diet traditionally found in African American diets and begin to incrementally incorporate teachings into daily practice.

3. Participants will understand the hazards of immobility and gain practical knowledge about the importance and significance of managing the Body Mass Index (BMI) to combat obesity.

4. Participants will understand the importance of efficient, moderate, and consistent exercise to lower the risk-ratio for heart disease and learn how to take their pulse to determine if the workout intensity is sufficient for weight loss.

5. Participants will enhance their knowledge and develop preventative strategies with respect to the various cardiac diseases, including critical numbers for hypertension, elevated blood lipids, coronary artery disease (CAD), and stroke warning signs.

Program Summary / Impact: The (F.I.T.) program: Faith, Inspiration, and Transformation was created to empower African American (AA) women to optimize cardiac health by losing weight and adopting healthier lifestyles. Participants were all low income AA women ranging in ages from early 20’s to 60’s with many being medically underserved. Participants received a “Tool Kit” consisting of a journal, pedometer, calorie counter, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet guidelines, healthy recipes, and an exercise band. The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) met with the women individually to assess their personal goals. F.I.T. meetings were held bi- monthly for 4 months, with weigh-ins and incentives for the biggest weight loss announced at the final meeting. New tools or strategies were provided to assist participants with weight loss and a healthier lifestyle. Twelve participants successfully completed the program. All began to incrementally incorporate teachings into their daily routines. In the final weight-in meeting, six participants lost a total of 5.2 to 9.6 pounds, with 9.6 pounds announced as the final winner.

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TEXAS SPRING CYPRESS (TX) CHAPTER Health and Human Services

“HeartLinks for HeartHealth”

Number of Members in Chapter: 51 Number of Members Participating in Program: 51 Number of People Served: 34 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 2 Location: Houston, Texas Funds Spent on Program: $3,500.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: 1. Lincoln Park Community Center- housed the program on a monthly basis. 2. Delores Barton, Nutritionist-presented “Soul Food That’s Good for the Soul” an interpretation of

“Making Heart Healthy Eating an Everyday Family Reunion, ” with modifications of our favorite recipes

3. Keith Harris, Emergency Medical Technician, City of Houston-presented the signs of a heart attack. 4. Thomas Atkinson, Fireman, City of Houston- presented a CPR course. 5. Dr. June Williams Coleman of Serenity Healthcare for Women- conducted cholesterol and blood

glucose testing 6. Lab Corp Laboratory -processed the lipid panels and HgBA1C testing. Goals and Objectives: 1. To show participants how healthy eating, a healthy weight, a healthy body mass index, and a

healthy blood pressure contribute to overall heart health. 2. To help the participants recognize the signs of heart disease. 3. By establishing a baseline, help prevent heart-related diseases, such as high blood pressure, high

cholesterol, and high blood glucose in the community 4. Short-term goal: At the end of the 10-month period, help ensure that participants are more

knowledgeable about heart health, and will reflect both a healthy body weight and healthy blood pressure numbers.

5. Long-term goal: It is hopeful that when the Department of Health for the City of Houston conducts its next health profile, there will be some positive changes in the health statistics in regards to heart health in the Acres Homes Community.

Program Summary / Impact: Each month, designated members of the Texas Spring Cypress Chapter of the Links, Incorporated facilitated one of the modules from the With Every Heartbeat Is Life manual. In addition, each participant was presented with a “Health Journal.” In the journal, the participants record their daily or weekly walking routine in addition to any exercise that they accomplished as a personal goal such as participation in the weekly line dancing classes that are presented at the Acres Homes Multi-Service Center. Every month, prior to each workshop, a pre-test on the information that was to be covered was administered. At the conclusion of the workshop there was be a post-test. This allowed us to determine if the information was absorbed. In addition, after each session, each participant had an official blood pressure check and weigh-in, at their discretion. In recognition of Heart Health Month we celebrate program success with community partners as we educate our community on the importance of Heart Health. Our focus was Gratitude for the individuals and companies that make it possible for us to serve the Houston community.

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AUSTIN (TX) CHAPTER INTERNATIONAL TRENDS AND SERVICES

“A Time to Heal”

Number of Members in Chapter: 40 Number of Members Participating in Program: 12 Number of People Served: 1,000 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 10 Location: Funds Spent on Program: $17,000.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: Baylor Pediatric AIDS Clinic , Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX Faith Community, Travis County Health Department Compass

Goals:

1. To implement a media awareness campaign to educate citizens that HIV/AIDS is treatable and

most of all is preventable within the 12-17 demographic in Maseru, Lesotho and Austin, TX. 2. To send a student to Maseru, Lesotho to research the feasibility of a Media Campaign that would

be geared to youth populations 12-17 years old in Maseru and Austin, TX. 3. To spread the message of HID-AIDS prevention and treatment through “Safe Love” public service

announcement campaign messages. 4. To have students in Maseru, Lesotho, Southwestern University Georgetown, TX, and students at

Austin’s Settlement Home for Girls collaborate on the message under the direction of the International Trends and Services facet in collaboration with Health, Services to Youth, National Trends and Services, and The Arts facets. However, Southwestern University students would lead in this collaboration making it a student to student experience.

Program Summary/Impact: The Safe Love Campaign is a media campaign to help stem the tide of HIV-AIDS on two continents. In Lesotho, the population fights to keep its’ citizenry alive with many dying before the reach age 35. In Austin, Texas, the live music capitol of the world, there is no local HIV-AIDS campaign, yet five non-pediatric AIDS cases were reported during the summer of 2012. The Travis county health department reports a rise in HIV-AIDS among minorities across Texas and in Travis County. Getting the message that Love must Always be Safe to the young is crucial to stop the spread of this disease. The Austin Chapter works with girls in Austin, TX who are in foster care to design these messages. These girls are considered by the state to be among the most vulnerable. Our program is unique in that we have teen girls partnered with college age students at Southwestern University. This was done to provide an open exchange as we discuss issues that are so very personal in nature. Kadi Megassa, a student at Southwestern University, traveled to Lesotho, Africa to study the HIV-AIDS media messages. What she found were messages that were mostly geared to the adults but hardly any messages geared to those who are 12-17. It was clear that if the population in Lesotho is dying before age 35, the messages must be designed to capture a teen and young adult audience. In the United States, the HIV-AIDS media message is now one of living with AIDS and not prevention. Additionally, the absence of the fear of death has caused many to feel that should they contract the disease they can live with it. Many don’t know the financial cost and the daily commitment that it takes to keep the disease under control. Sadly, many, especially Black males do not tell their sexual partners that they have the disease. This project promotes through compelling video, billboard, and audio messages that love must always be safe. Below is the text of an original music written for the public service announcement and recorded by the program participants. There is a Safe Love written by Link Chrystle Swain—Based on Safe Love workshop campaign.

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HOUSTON (TX) CHAPTER International Trends and Services

“Haiti Outreach Program”

Number of Members in Chapter: 59 Number of Members Participating in Program: 45 Number of People Served: 350 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 2 Location: Funds Spent on Program: $4,227.92 Collaborators / Partners Involved: HEB, Marathon Oil Corp, Barnes and Nobles , Black Physicians Association Goals and Objectives: Goal 1: Measurably improve the quality of life and well-being of residents of Croix des Bouquets and Vandreuil, Haiti. Objective 1.A—-Provide vital medical and personal health supplies to men, women, and children living in the region for the next five years; Objective 1.B—-Provide school supplies and educational resources to children and educators in the communities we serve for the next five years; and Objective 1.C-—Maintain communication with international and national liaisons in order to remain abreast of local and regional needs. Goal 2: Develop Haiti Outreach Program partnerships with Houston community organizations and corporations. Objective 2.A-- Maintain relationships established with current partners HEB, Marathon Oil, Barnes and Noble, and personal contributors; Objective 2.B--Secure new relationships with institutions of higher education as well as individual donors; Objective 2.C—-Heighten local community awareness of the continuing devastation and disease that plague citizens of Haiti. Program Summary/Impact: The Houston Chapter of The Links' Haiti Outreach Program provides medical and educational supplies to people in Croix des Bouquets, Haiti and the L’Ecole le Foyer, a local elementary school of 200 children. The medical supplies and products help local physicians manage citizens' pain, care for wounds and treat chronic diseases. The program's overarching goal is to provide the people of Haiti with resources that will enhance the academic achievement of Haitian school children and the personal well-being of Haitians in general. Supplies have been collected from chapter members and corporate supporters; 10 boxes of supplies were shipped in March 2012, and 20 boxes were shipped in January 2013. The International Trends and Services facet routinely collects, stores and packs donated items for the women, children and men who reside in rural Haiti. We remain committed to providing resources to improve the quality of life for this targeted population of Haitians. Life in rural Croix des Bouquets is difficult. Citizens walk to the HELP Compound for health care and education. Their primary focus is day-to-day existence. Products we send not only enable health care professionals to treat Haitian citizens, but also make it possible to for them to care for themselves and their families. Slow and on-going efforts to rebuild and recover from the mass destruction caused by the 2010 earthquake have been seriously compromised by further devastation caused by Hurricanes Isaac and Sandy which occurred in 2012. The women, men and children of Croix des Bouquets have come to expect and

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depend on supplies sent to them by the Houston Chapter, International Trends and Services Facet. And we are honored to serve them.

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INGLEWOOD PACIFIC (CA) CHAPTER INTERNATIONAL TRENDS AND SERVICES

“Links Care About Women and Children of the African Diaspora”

Number of Members in Chapter: 41 Number of Members Participating in Program: 37 Number of People Served: 1,641 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 9 Location: Funds Spent on Program: $13,740.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: Jewish World Watch, Save Africa’s Children, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Inglewood High School, Honda Corporation, Stop Genocide Now, Save Darfur Goals and Objectives: 1. To provide survival-oriented humanitarian assistance to 1,200 individuals in Sudan and Haiti, as

measured by record data of collaborators and self- report of recipients of assistance. 2. To reduce by at least 50% the rape, mutilation and murder of Sudanese women and girls in

refugee and displacement camps, as measured by the UN High Commission on Refugee Status.

3. To provide educational supplies to 100 African children orphaned by war and disease, as measured by record data of collaborator groups.

4. To promote youth global awareness of the poverty, violence and illiteracy facing women world-wide, among 50 high school girls, as measured by pre-post survey and self-report.

5. To raise public awareness of the genocide in Sudan and Chad and advocate for an end to the violence among at least 200 people, as measured by.

Program Summary/Impact: Inglewood Pacific Chapter’s 2011-2013 program provided transformational assistance to 1391 women, children and other adults in war, earthquake and disease-ravaged countries of the African Diaspora, including Haiti and Sudan. For the women and children in refugee camps, the use of Solar Cookers provided by the program reduced by 86% the risk of risk of rape and murder when women and girls sought firewood for cooking outside the camps. Not having to search for firewood also allowed the women to earn money by making and distributing Solar Cookers and allowed the young girls to attend school for the first time. The provision of school supplies and clothing also supported children in their effort to stay in school. These accomplishments are transformational steps towards personal empowerment. Similarly the provision of Survival Kits for the Haitian women and girls restores a sense of personal efficacy and dignity.

Public awareness and advocacy activities informed 250 youth and adults about the illiteracy, violence and oppression faced by women and girls of color around the globe, as well as about ways that caring people can help them triumph over adverse conditions. The transformational impact of our program is apparent from the frequent invitations from community organizations for speakers about Darfur; as well as by the unexpected and unsolicited donations made by newly informed people, eager to offer assistance. In summary, Inglewood Pacific Chapter has provided life-transforming services to 1,641 people in this biennium.

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SAN BERNARDINO (CA) CHAPTER INTERNATIONAL TRENDS AND SERVICES

“San Bernardino Valley Chapter Africa Diaper Project”

Number of Members in Chapter: 25 Number of Members Participating in Program: 20 Number of People Served: 500 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 4 Location: Funds Spent on Program: $1,000.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: Dentist Delivering Services, Mission Africa Goals and Objectives: 1. To increase the awareness of proper infant childcare. 2. To provide sanitary diapers. 3. To prevent the spread of disease. 4. To demonstrate to mothers how to safely diaper their infants. 5. To educate mothers on how to properly wash the infant diapers. Program Summary/Impact: The project is making an impact in the African villages, by providing the much needed diapers which assist with controlling the spread of diseases. The San Bernardino Valley Chapter's commitment to the Africa Diaper Project has impacted the local community by bringing about an awareness of the disparities that still exist in Africa today.

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The vision of the National Trends and Services Facet took flight in the Western Area in energetic programs that reduced barriers and eliminated disparities through advocacy, education, and service. Chapters were aligned and supported the National programs, partnerships, and collaborations identified under the National Trends and Services Facet, to include the AARP National Partnership, Ally Financial – Wallet Wise Financial Literacy, Habitat for Humanity, as well as the National Initiative, Bullying, Trashtalking: It’s No Joke! The vision was achieved through the performance of outstanding integrated, sustainable, measurable, and transformational programs that examined and penetrated the socioeconomic disparities as they existed in the community and searched for ways to reduce or eradicate the exposed disparities. These disparities all have at their core basic quality of life issues that illuminate the importance of the Facet and the impact that its programs have in the everyday lives of the people served. For the AARP, Are You Ready? Program, three chapters in the Western Area—Houston (TX) Chapter, Los Angeles (CA) and San Antonio (TX) were selected as Pilot Chapters. The Alameda Contra Costa (CA) Chapter is a Pilot Chapter for the National Initiative, Bullying, Trashtalking: It’s No Joke! We are pleased to highlight the following best practices programs conceived by Western Area chapters that successfully brought programs into the community that reduced disparities and empowered people. These programs served 1,457 people, placed $41,794.00 into the community in effective programming, and received $5,840 in In-Kind Donations: My Sister’s Temple focused on disparities in the community related to living a healthy lifestyle and the importance of providing awareness and accessing resources to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In addition to toys and a holiday meal, the 2011 and 2012 Holiday Community Dinner closed social disparities in the community by providing clothing, dental hygiene and toiletry kits, health and wellness awareness, and voter registration for families and children whose income was at or below the poverty level. This is the twelfth year of existence for Women’s Issues And Empowerment, a mentoring program that reduces barriers and disparities in financial literacy, awareness and access to healthcare. The program increases quality of life through leadership, education, and service. Becoming Financially Sound & Savvy: Sister 2 Sister reduced disparities in the area of financial resources suffered by its target population and increased their financial freedom by offering a series of workshops that helped them find their voices in their own financial wellbeing and increased their overall financial health, stability, and empowerment. It is recommended that the National Trends and Services Facet continue to develop integrated, sustainable, transformational programs and secure new, and nurture existing, partnerships.

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FRESNO (CA) CHAPTER NATIONAL TRENDS AND SERVICES

“2011 AND 2012 Holiday Community Dinner”

Number of Members in Chapter: 24 Number of Members Participating in Program: 24 Number of People Served: 1300 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 11 Location: Fresno, CA Funds Spent on Program: $10,000.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: Junior League of Fresno Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Wawona Food Company Full Throttle Motorcycle Club Flawless Social Club Fresno County Job Corps Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated Quality Group Homes Fowler Pre-School Fresno City College Rampage Newspaper Writing Staff Latter Day Saints Goals and Objectives: 1. To provide a nutritious holiday dinner for families who live in neighborhoods where there are high concentrations of poverty. 2. To provide toys and bicycles for children from low income families. 3. Incorporate a health and wellness component, food baskets, and a clothes closet into the project to enhance the event with treating the mind, body, and soul of the families. 4. Proactively work to find solutions to strengthen sustainability with the project with additional fundraising.

Program Summary / Impact: For eleven years, the Fresno Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has hosted a Holiday Dinner and Toy Giveaway. The project provides a delicious meal with all of the trimmings, a clothing closet, toys, dental hygiene kits, toiletry kits, winter coats, bicycles, voter registration, information on physical activities for children and information on health and wellness. Thanks to the generosity of the community, the Fresno Chapter was able to move to a new venue, increasing and expanding our opportunity to service low-income families in west Fresno, one of the most impoverished areas within our community. As a result, 1300 residents were served, with over 800 toys, 50 coats, and 25 bicycles given away.

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GULF COAST APOLLO (TX) CHAPTER NATIONAL TRENDS AND SERVICES

Sub-Facet - Health And Human Services

“Becoming Financially Sound & Savvy: Sister 2 Sister”

Number of Members in Chapter: 41 Number of Members Participating in Program: 28 Number of People Served: 35 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 2 Location: Clear Lake/Galveston/Bay Area, TX Funds Spent on Program: $2,081.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: Wal-Mart, Texas City Stephanie Blakes, Wealth Development Strategies Dorothea Carter, Houston Food Bank The Bay Area Financial Opportunity Center – United Way of Greater Houston Dr. D’juanna Satcher Galilee United Methodist Church Bay Area Turning Point The Links, Incorporated Capital One Bank Jacqueline Evans, Trainer, Region VIII. Goals and Objectives: 1. Improve the financial literacy of 35-45 African-American women within our service area. 2. Secure and nurture one additional and existing partnership for collaborative service in developing and delivering a series of educational classes /workshops focused on banking, saving, budgeting, credit management, and investment planning. 3. Increase chapter membership participation by 25% from 2012 program participation. 4. Develop a program that integrates one or more facets. Program Summary / Impact: 70% of African American families are headed by single women and yet the median wealth for single black women amounts to only $5. Lack of access to assets and resources is symptomatic of underlying discrimination, exploitation and exclusion. In an attempt to address the alarming disparity suffered by African- American women, the Gulf Coast Apollo Chapter of the Links Incorporated launched Sister to Sister –Financial Cent$. This program offered a free series of workshops that empowered African-American women to achieve financial health, stability and empowerment. The practical, hands-on approach helped participants to: minimize financial behaviors including maintaining and increasing exorbitant debt with insufficient or nonexistent funds; eliminate the lure of zealous credit card appeals, reduce slow pay or no pay on bills; mitigate unexpected health care expenses through preventive maintenance best practices and increase a savings balance from zeroes in front of the decimal point to behind one. In addition, the program provided access to one-on-one coaching and mentoring with seasoned community partners. Our goal was to ensure that women have a real voice in their financial welfare so they can participate equally in public dialogue, decision-making and influence the decisions that determine the future of their families.

ORANGE COUNTY (CA) CHAPTER

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NATIONAL TRENDS AND SERVICES Sub-Facet - Health And Human Services

“Women’s Issues And Empowerment”

Number of Members in Chapter: 31 Number of Members Participating in Program: 7 Number of People Served: 72 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 12 Location: Orange County, CA Funds Spent on Program: $1,650.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: Santa Ana College; Los Angeles County Department of Social Services; Inspirational Plus; California State University Administrator; Health and Human Services Facet; and WISEPlace. Goals and Objectives: 1. To motivate, mentor, and help a minimum of 50 women to improve their financial situation by providing information to prepare them to manage their finances (Financial Literacy) by preparing budgets, learning checkbook management, and accruing savings - Linking In Financial Education (LIFE) and to provide financial assistance as well as other essential materials to help to ensure their success in obtaining, furthering, and/or completing their education (Education for all Ages). 2. To educate a minimum of 50 women regarding safety, domestic violence, healthy relationships, and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, physically and mentally (Health and Wellness). 3. To promote the well-being of the African American family by providing health information to a minimum of 24 African American women to enable them to access the health care industry and to better understand it (Health and Wellness). 4. To effectively empower a minimum of 50 women by providing them with methods to reduce barriers to quality of life through leadership, education, and service - (Empowerment). 5. To supply information to 12 emancipated foster care minors and developmentally disabled youths to help them gain life skills - Self- Health and Self-Help. Program Summary / Impact: WISEPlace is a community of housing and hope for homeless women who are committed to changing their lives. In addition to providing workshops on Financial Literacy, Domestic Violence, Mental/Emotional Health, Health and Safety, and Resume Writing and Job Interviewing Skills, the residents have an unique opportunity to interact with and see the Orange County Links as positive role models and mentors. Chapter members support the residents in the areas of food, clothing, physical and emotional nourishment, as well as vocational and life skills training. The women who graduate from the Steps to Independence program receive a supportive, transitional living environment, comprehensive services, and an avenue towards independence and personal empowerment through full-time employment and financial literacy. The Senior Step program for women over the age of 55 provides solutions to the job-related and health challenges these women face and if they need additional training to become self-sufficient, it is provided. Additionally, the First Steps program targets the growing number of young women who are emancipated from the foster care system and are literally "surviving" on the streets with no support system and minimal survival skills. This program provides the same services as the Steps to Independence program, with more intensive life-skills training and mentoring opportunities. All of the mentoring, training, and ultimate goals are to help participants find affordable housing, provide nutritional meals, clothing, education, employment development, availability to transportation services, and any other needs that the residents may have.

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SPOKANE (WA) CHAPTER NATIONAL TRENDS AND SERVICES

Sub-Facet - Health And Human Services

“My Sister’s Temple”

Number of Members in Chapter: 13 Number of Members Participating in Program: 9 Number of People Served: 50 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 4 Location: Spokane, WA Funds Spent on Program: $2,8063.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: Emmanuel Family Life Center; Washington State University Nursing School, Spokane Regional Health District; East Central Community Center; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy; Dr. Jeanne L. Noble GEMS; Calvary Baptist Church; Bethel A.M.E. Church; Morning Star Baptist Church; Holy Temple Church of God in Christ; Comprehensive Health Education Foundation; Empire Health District; West Central Community Center; Women and Children’s Free Restaurant; and Avista. GOALS: 1. To transform women physically, emotionally and spiritually by engaging in the program. 2. To provide activities and events to encourage women to live a healthy lifestyle. 3. To increase the number of participants across ethnic lines and younger minority women. 4. To provide exercise and supportive programs to encourage active living. 5. To provide a forum to solicit feedback on how to improve the program. PROGRAM SUMMARY/IMPACT: My Sister’s Temple evolved out of a program focusing on supporting and developing healthy lifestyles for African American women, women of color and women of low-socio-economic levels. The Spokane Chapter of The Links, Incorporated began discussions on healthy issues by hosting a panel of medical professionals and sponsoring a Soul Stroll through the neighborhood. Participants were given healthy snacks, sports bag with the Links’ logo, and water. The news circulated in the Spokane community. Conversations were held in small groups. Soon the Spokane Chapter was contacted by the Spokane Regional Health District to connect them with African American women in the area to inform them of the necessity of being aware of the various health issues impacting them. The Links, Incorporated met with women in the area and was soon contacted by the Comprehensive Health Education Foundation to review the future expectations of the National Trends and Services’ events. Out of the discussion and accessing a grant funded by C.H.E.F., Links created “My Sister’s Temple.” The key is that we are “fearfully and wonderfully” made. With our partners, the Comprehensive Health Education Foundation of Seattle, Washington and the Empire Health Service in Spokane, Washington, the Spokane Chapter hosted many events that promoted African American women, women of color and women of low socio-economic levels to create a plan to live a healthy lifestyle and to prioritize the importance of accessing resources to maintain the lifestyle. These events included forums and activities on such topics as Cancer Awareness, Hypertension, Diabetes, HIV/Aids, and health screenings. Mammograms were provided to those who did not have insurance. Dance and exercise were provided free of charge and child care was available to all who attended. Participants received incentives, free massages, sports bags, Tee shirts, and a passport to record their progress. Newsletters highlighted the successes. Healthy meals, cooking demonstrations by instructors and healthy snacks were provided. The emotional, physical and spiritual well being of our participants was our first priority. We had a team that walked or ran in the Susan G. Komen Race for Life wearing the “My Sister’s Temple” with the names of the sponsors on the Tee shirt. Many of our participants shared their stories about weight loss, reduced food consumption, and shared stories about being conscientious about intake of reduced sugar and fats.

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AUSTIN (TX) CHAPTER SERVICES TO YOUTH

Sub-Facet - National Mentoring Initiative

“The Austin Chapter of the Links, Inc: Signature Service Provides Substantive Solutions”

Number of Members in Chapter: 40 Number of Members Participating in Program: 30 Number of People Served: 50 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 5 Location: Austin, Texas Funds Spent on Program: $2,500.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: Austin Community College Benold’s Jewelry George Washington Carver Library Oak Springs Elementary School The Settlement Home for Girls Goals and Objectives: Provide mentoring/tutoring activities for third grade students at Oak Springs elementary in an effort to close the achievement gap, provide mentoring activities for the mentees at the Settlement Home, promote healthy lifestyles by actively addressing health disparities prominent among African American children, particularly childhood obesity, increase and promote art activities for children we mentor and increase the awareness of the needs of others both nationally and internationally for children we serve Program Summary / Impact: The Austin Chapter of the Links, Inc, STY Facet has raised awareness on an issue on the Austin Community that we believe we can no longer afford to be silent. Across this county and in the state of Texas, a disproportionate number of African American children have been marginalized and predisposed to experience negative outcomes. National studies have confirmed that racial disparities exist in delivery services, quality of education, rates of poverty, incidences of homicides, and prison terms. We recognize that the impact of disproportionality on our children demands a call to action, not only from the Austin chapter Links, but also from the community at large. We have taken the stance that addressing disproportionality IS our business and we actively seek to educate our members and our community on this very important issue. We feel a burning responsibility to be the facilitator of getting the data and the information about how the community can be involved and to make a commitment to own role in undoing the phenomenon that results in too many of our children being marginalized at rates that far exceed their representation in the general population. The result of this institutionalized racism sets them up for being ill prepared for their future, through no fault of their own. The Austin chapter has worked with its’ partners to create awareness and elevate the importance of addressing disproportionality and improving outcomes for African American youth. This program has, for the past five years, positively impacted more than 145 youth whose lives have been changed due to their participation, often for the first time, in various events that have ignited in them the passion, desire, and hope for the kind of future they have never dreamed possible, yet deserve.

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HARBOR AREA (CA) CHAPTER SERVICES TO YOUTH

“MAN UP 50 – Links Seizing the Opportunity to Help African American Youth Achieve Excellence”

Number of Members in Chapter: 40 Number of Members Participating in Program: 40 Number of People Served: 300 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 4 Location: Long Beach, California Funds Spent on Program: $9,335.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: David Starr Jordan High School Creative Cuisine Concepts Kevin Thomas MBA Wells Fargo Bank 100 Black Men, Long Beach David Burwell, Firefighter Thomas C. Robinson, MBA Dr. Matthew Jenkins, MVM Kevin Boyd, Entrepreneur Tony Magee, Motivational Speaker Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Omega Psi Phi Fraternity National Association of Mental Health

Dr. Felton Williams, Board President, LBUSD

Goals and Objectives: Provide/promote opportunities for participants to strengthen awareness of career options by interaction with professionals, Provide/promote opportunities for participants to participate in financial workshops, Provide/promote opportunities for participants to develop and improve their legal intelligence, Provide and promote opportunities for participants to cultivate healthy physical and mental health options, Provide opportunities for students to excel academically by developing study habits/ test taking techniques and interview skills

Program Summary / Impact: “MAN UP 50 - …” is a necessary and viable program designed to increase high school graduation rates by providing critical information and training to African American high school young men in five areas: personal finance, health, career options, legal intelligence and achieving academic excellence. African American males attending the At-Promise/At Risk Male Academy in the Long Beach Unified School District constitute as program participants. During the mini-conference, program panelists, selected from and raised in the community, share testimonies on their individual struggles and how they used the “buddy system” to successfully overcome obstacles and challenges presented in their neighborhoods and while in college by forming alliances with other young black men for the sole purpose of encouraging, mentoring, and assisting one another to succeed. And most profound is witnessing our young black male program participants, many who expressed no desire for obtaining higher education, gravitate towards these professional African American community role models serving as our panelists with questions and seeking guidance on how to become entrepreneurs, respected male adults, and achieving success. More students are recognized at school wide Award Ceremonies for their overall improvement and academic gains. In fact, in 2011 one of our participants received a full scholarship totaling $100,000 from the Posse Foundation to a prominent university, which motivated other participants to take advantage of available resources and opportunities that places them one step closer to realizing their dreams. The Posse Foundation identifies students who may be overlooked by traditional college selection processes and their philosophy is based on a comment made by a student who stated that, “I’d never have dropped out of college if I had had my posse with me.” The Posse Foundation provides full scholarships and sends students to renowned universities in teams of ten students for the purpose of providing emotional and academic support to ensure that all students complete their college education. With collaborative efforts, we enhance the lives of program participants by challenging, motivating, cultivating and empowering students to achieve excellence.

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HOUSTON (TX) CHAPTER SERVICES TO YOUTH

“Access 4 Youth: Pathways to Success”

Number of Members in Chapter: 59 Number of Members Participating in Program: 35 Number of People Served: 329 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 4 Location: Houston, Texas Funds Spent on Program: $24,100.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: Houston Area Urban League Federal Bureau of Investigation The Imani School Houston Metro Police Department Minister Robert Muhammad Goals and Objectives: Implementation of Sustainable Programs; Development of an Impactful Learning Curriculum, Successful Mentoring and Provide Scholarships

Program Summary / Impact: According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s (THECB) Closing The Gaps by 2015: The Texas Higher Education Plan published in 2000, Texas sends fewer students to college than almost all other states, primarily because only 62.5% of ninth grade students will graduate from high school. Of those students, only 18% of them are deemed to be college ready. Barbara Schneider in the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation publication Forming A College-Going Community in U.S. Public High Schools believes a successful learning environment includes a “social milieu”, a social climate that allows students to excel through supportive networks of peers and adults who consistently reinforce the message of the value of education. The Houston Chapter’s answer to these statistics, along with cultivating an environment for excellence for students in the Greater Houston area is the Access 4 Youth program. The curriculum focuses on preparing students academically, financially, and socially for success. • Implementation of Sustainable Programs: Access 4 Youth is designed to increase the customary scope and scale of the Houston Chapter of the Links Incorporated’s commitment to provide students with a wide range of measurable, innovative, substantive and sustainable programming. • Development of Impactful Learning Curriculum: Access 4 Youth will build key partnerships between the Houston Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, local school districts, universities, corporations and nonprofit groups to create enriching multi-week learning experiences. • Successful Mentoring: Access 4 Youth provides opportunities in which students can learn by actual examples through contact with role models and mentors. • Scholarships: Access 4 Youth provides funding to young scholars to continue the investment in their aspirations to succeed in higher education Access 4 Youth is designed to strategically engage and educate students, encourage their future aspirations, bridge social and cultural gaps, and provide financial assistance for an underrepresented population.

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MID-CITIES (TX) CHAPTER SERVICES TO YOUTH

Sub-Facet - National STEM Initiative

“Mid-Cities Chapter Link-ED 2 STEM Program”

Number of Members in Chapter: 47 Number of Members Participating in Program: 43 Number of People Served: 132 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 4 Location: Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving, Texas Funds Spent on Program: $14, 700.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: Irving Independent School District University of Texas/Arlington Tech Wizards and 4-H Youth of Texas Upward Bound Boys & Girls Club Goals And Objectives: Participants will exhibit: an effective understanding of scientific inquiry, an increased interest and ability STEM, an awareness of scientific disciplines as viable career choices, knowledge and understanding of scientific issues that impact national and local policy-making and an Increased attitudes towards the importance of higher education.

Program Summary / Impact PHASE I: In 2009, The Chapter implemented Phase I of the program which provided an after school program that specifically addressed STEM subjects to improve students' attitudes and understanding of science as well as improving youth outcomes including completion of mathematics and science courses, reducing dropout and increasing retention rates, improving reading and mathematics test scores, & increasing college attendance. PHASE II: The program was expanded to the University of Texas at Arlington Trio Pre-College program targeting the Arlington Independent School District Junior High Schools. PHASE III: With a new collaboration with the City of Dallas and Get a KIC-Out of Science Program, the students facilitated demonstrations on “Cease the Grease” a 3 step process of making bio-fuel from cooking oil during the 2010 State Fair of Texas. PHASE IV: The chapter hosted a STEM Summit which included subject matter experts offering students more awareness & information on STEM through workshops & demonstrations led by UTA School of Engineering Students. PHASE V: March 2012 Upward Bound/TRIO females participated in the Women in Science & Medicine Symposium at UT Southwestern Medical School. The girls were introduced to several medical related professions & had the opportunity to handle a healthy & unhealthy human heart. In April the students collaborated in a STEM Summit which focused on Food, Science & the Environment. The 3 Saturday summit included an IMAX screening on astronauts, space and planets. The STEM Enrichment Summer Camp was held daily June 5–30th at 4 Irving Independent School District junior high schools. A curriculum was implemented introducing the students to related concepts & terms; the opportunity to share, process, & generalize their findings; and follow-up activities to apply their learning. Experiments were conducted related to Air, rockets, water, earth, and the human senses. The program ended June 30 with “The Amazing STEM Race where teams from each of the junior high schools competed by performing a variety of experiments.

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PLANO NORTH METROPLEX (TX) CHAPTER SERVICES TO YOUTH

“Preparing 21st Century Youth for the Future: Strong, Talented, Emerging Minds”

Number of Members in Chapter: 55 Number of Members Participating in Program: 55 Number of People Served: 635 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 4 Location: Plano, Texas Funds Spent on Program: $14,160.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: Richland College Upward Bound Texas Instruments Frontiers of Flight Museum Jack and Jill of America Dr. Melanie Kirk Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Russell Maryland Dr. Warren Lee, IV North Texas Council of Governments Raytheon Corporation Dr. Wendy Parnell Texas A& M University Central State University Dr. Carlos Barge U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency Dr. Linda Rodrigue Fred Hudson Mrs. Tracie Kirkland Rev. Joshua Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers

Goals and Objectives: Provide/promote opportunities for participants to strengthen awareness of career options by interaction with professionals Provide/promote opportunities for participants to participate in financial workshops Provide/promote opportunities for participants to develop and improve their legal intelligence Provide and promote opportunities for participants to cultivate healthy physical and mental health options Provide opportunities for students to excel academically by developing study habits/ test taking techniques and interview skills

Program Summary / Impact: “Service is the rent we pay for living.” Marian Wright Edelman’s message resonates with the Plano North Metroplex chapter’s commitment to friendship and service. The chapter’s program – “Preparing 21st Century Youth for the Future: STRONG, TALENTED, EMERGING MINDS,” builds on a 24-year history of education and achievement-based enrichment initiatives. Four youth summits focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics with a special emphasis on aviation. A record number of students from grades 7 to 12 attended, quadrupling participation. Utilizing learning strategies that were innovative and interactive, the chapter endeavored to increase awareness of educational and career opportunities within the STEM field -- preparing 21st century youth for the future with the purpose of producing strong talented minds. Through its network of over 20 partners including colleges, school districts, government agencies, corporations and professional associations, the Plano North Metroplex chapter is committed to achieving transformative change that is sustainable by redefining the STEM landscape in the African American community. Building upon a tradition of educating and empowering youth, the chapter evaluated education/workforce research and incorporated findings into their STEM programs. They applied “industry sector" depth of knowledge to develop business partnerships, resulting in a 75% increase in collaborative supporters. In the truest essence of service and friendship, collectively they are changing the equation to facilitate the creation and enhancement of widespread literacy in science, technology, engineering and math as an investment in their youth, their

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community and ultimately their nation. The outcome will be an environment of learning, excellence and academic achievement that empowers us all.

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PORTLAND (OR) CHAPTER SERVICES TO YOUTH

Sub-Facet - National Childhood Obesity Initiative

“Exploring STEM Career Opportunities”

Number of Members in Chapter: 22 Number of Members Participating in Program: 11 Number of People Served: 5228 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 5 Location: Portland, Oregon Funds Spent on Program: $44,000.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: Portland Public Schools Community & Business Vendors Portland Workforce Alliance Widen + Kennedy Ad Agency Oregon Convention Center NW Youth Career Expo Committee Bullivant, Houser & Bailey Law Firm Portland Trailblazers Nationwide Insurance Schoolhouse Supplies Store Self Enhancement Inc. Academy Goals and Objectives: • To increase the number of High School graduates by 5% in 2 years • Provide program participants opportunities to observe corporations that use STEM careers • Provide participant with skills assessment related to STEM careers • Prepare program participants for STEM careers Program Summary / Impact: For three (3) years our "Exploring Career Opportunities" has received awards from the National and Area Links, Incorporated. The Portland Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has been recognized in our local publication with articles and pictures of our members and students. Our "story" has been told of the impact we have on our students & the community. As a result of our Program, students are being prepared for the 21st Century workforce in a way that they can learn, grow, receive motivation and improve their self-esteem. With the added "S.T.E.M." component, our students will gain the necessary skills for their success and will have opportunities to network with Corporations that eagerly anticipate their preparedness for employment opportunities that will utilize their acquired STEM skills.

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SAN JOSE (CA) CHAPTER SERVICES TO YOUTH

“Project L.E.A.D. High Expectation: Del Roble School Tutoring Program and Girls Empowerment Program”

Number of Members in Chapter: 27 Number of Members Participating in Program: 21 Number of People Served: 214 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 5 Location: San Jose, California Funds Spent on Program: $900.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. UC Berkeley Outreach Education San Jose State University South Bay Writers Guild Herman Junior High School Oak Grove School District San Jose Firefighters Community Groups Goals and Objectives: • To increase the knowledge of math and English language arts concepts of participant fourth-

graders in the target school. • To improve their scores on the California Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) annual

exam.

Program Summary / Impact: In June of 2008, the Services to Youth (STY) Facet of the San Jose Chapter of Links, Incorporated decided to focus on the plight of low performing students in San Jose Schools with significant minority populations. This decision was based on the interest and communication between four of our facet members that are retired educators with a desire to give back to schools.

The Project L.E.A.D. HIGH Expectations Signature Program at Del Roble School was implemented to help under-performing fourth graders. With analysis of data from the 2008 California Standardized Testing and Reporting test, the School Principal and STY Facet members met to discuss conducting a needs assessment. The San Jose Chapter’s STY Facet designed the after school program to tutor fourth graders in sessions totaling 200 minute per week. Each year, improvement of student achievement is evidenced by increases in test score results identified by the school’s annual Academic Performance Index score (API). More often, fourth grade students demonstrate mastery of challenging Math and English Language concepts and are eager to show off their best work! 2012 data show an increase of 45 points on the school’s API.

Del Roble School has an API score of 775 and is moving toward the states ideal “800” score. Del Roble School is no longer on the list of the “100 lowest under performing schools” in San Jose, California.

In expansion of our program we added an African American Girl’s Empowerment Program. This program includes 15 girls in grades fourth to sixth. Our girls benefit from enriched cultural development and tools for life such as academic support, motivation/confidence building, healthful choices and career goals. The Principal and teachers are grateful for the capacity and support that Links STY Facet gives to enhance student’s skills with individualized support. The Links are welcomed with open arms. The Principal constantly remarks, “This is a fantastic partnership.” Feedback from school staff and participants indicates the African American girls enjoy the program and find it beneficial. The program’s immediate impact is evidenced by the girl’s 95% attendance at Saturday morning, 10 am - 1 pm sessions and by improved interaction. The development of trust between the girls and the volunteers

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has resulted in their personal growth and their ability to learn from others showing concern for them. Parent surveys expressed 100% observation of positive motivational changes in the girls.

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WACO (TX) CHAPTER SERVICES TO YOUTH

Sub-Facet - National STEM Initiative

“Bronze Eagle Fly-in STEM Initiative”

Number of Members in Chapter: 29 Number of Members Participating in Program: 28 Number of People Served: 360 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 2 Location: Waco, Texas Funds Spent on Program: $350.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: The Bronze Eagles Flying Club Texas State Technical College Spacex Black Pilots of America L3 HEB Buffalo Soldiers Tuskegee Airman Boeing Greater Waco Aviation Alliance Goals and Objectives: To provide hands-on inquiry into Aviation Technology and STEM To introduce students to the various jobs in aviation To encourage participation in STEM and aviation Program Summary / Impact: Educators are facing challenges to improve the quality of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) instruction in schools. Studies suggest that students learn STEM most effectively through hands-on inquiry. However, classroom teachers are often unable to generate effective lessons because of lack of background in science, or the lack of time and resources necessary for providing hands-on lesson. As a result, research suggests that African American students are at greater risk of not acquiring the skills necessary to enter highly technical jobs in the Waco Area. Waco has over 13 aviation industries in which minorities are underrepresented. This program was developed to address these local needs. In collaboration with local aviation businesses and interest groups and Texas State Technical College, an aviation education and interest seminar was conducted which allowed students to participate in hands-on aviation activities including, air-traffic control, airplane maintenance, airplane flight, and aviation technology. This event provided opportunities for local students to acquire mentors in the fields and continue their interest through enrolling in flight and aviation clubs that hold monthly activities that build upon STEM.

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WACO (TX) CHAPTER SERVICES TO YOUTH

Sub-Facet - National STEM Initiative

“FITness Inspiring Teens (F.I.T.")” Number of Members in Chapter: 29 Number of Members Participating in Program: 28 Number of People Served: 100 Number (Period) of Years Executed: 4 Location: Waco, Texas Funds Spent on Program: $500.00 Collaborators / Partners Involved: Waco-McLennan County Health Department City of Waco Department of Recreation Doris Miller YMCA Goals and Objectives: • To reduce the obesity rate in the minority population of the Waco-McLennan county by:

Introducing youth to nutrition basics and healthy body image, increasing awareness of disorders with obesity, providing tools for individual weight-management plans and instructing participants on practical steps to achieve target results

Program Summary / Impact: Educators are facing challenges to improve the quality of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) instruction in schools. Studies suggest that students learn STEM most effectively through hands-on inquiry. However, classroom teachers are often unable to generate effective lessons because of lack of background in science, or the lack of time and resources necessary for providing hands-on lesson. As a result, research suggests that African American students are at greater risk of not acquiring the skills necessary to enter highly technical jobs in the Waco Area. Waco has over 13 aviation industries in which minorities are underrepresented. This program was developed to address these local needs. In collaboration with local aviation businesses and interest groups and Texas State Technical College, an aviation education and interest seminar was conducted which allowed students to participate in hands-on aviation activities including, air-traffic control, airplane maintenance, airplane flight, and aviation technology. This event provided opportunities for local students to acquire mentors in the fields and continue their interest through enrolling in flight and aviation clubs that hold monthly activities that build upon STEM.

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S.T.E.P.S. Chapter designation is given to those Chapters that demonstrated a

commitment to integrated, impactful programming that included health and wellness and STEM.

In some cases, it is a journey toward umbrella programming. Its takes courage to embrace new concepts and move to greater heights.

We are proud of our S.T.E.P.S. CHAPTERS (Strategies that Ensure Program Strength)

Austin (TX)

Bakersfield (CA) Beverly Hills West (CA) Channel Islands (CA)

Denver (CO) Gulf Coast Apollo (TX) Greater Seattle (WA) Harbor Bay Area (CA)

Las Vegas (NV) Los Angeles (CA) Missouri City (TX)

Orange County (CA) Palos Verdes (CA)

Pasadena – Altadena (CA) Phoenix (AZ)

Plano North Metroplex (TX) Port City (TX) Portland (OR)

San Antonio (TX) San Jose (CA)

Solano County (CA) Texas Spring Cypress (TX)

Trinity (TX)

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We wish to acknowledge . . .

Proud Sponsor

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Our sincere thanks to . . .

All 56 Western Area Chapters for your participation and commitment to improving communities and transforming the lives of those you serve!!!!!