CHAPTER PROGRAMS

Services to Youth

Silver Spring (MD) Chapter

The Services to Youth facet is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower young people with the skills and resources necessary for success in the 21st-century workforce and beyond. Rooted in a commitment to academic excellence, cultural enrichment, health awareness, and career development, this program was established to address the multifaceted needs of youth through mentorship, education, and leadership opportunities.

Our primary objectives include promoting early literacy, implementing mentoring programs from kindergarten through college, closing academic achievement gaps, introducing and supporting STEM education and career readiness, increasing high school and college graduation rates, awarding scholarships, and strengthening educational endowments.

In partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools, we implement engaging programs that improve students’ reading and math proficiency while fostering a love of learning. Through this collaboration, we expand access to valuable resources, introduce innovative uses of technology, and provide effective strategies to enhance student achievement. By combining mentorship, academic support, and enrichment activities, we create meaningful opportunities that inspire and equip students to reach their full potential.

Chapter Highlights

Service Recognition

Named Volunteer Organization of the Year

✪ Named Volunteer Organization of the Year by the National Center for Children and Families for our work with their residents, including parenting workshops, Thanksgiving baskets, holiday celebrations, and school supply drives.

Received Best Practices Award

✪ Received Best Practices Award from The Links, Incorporated for the work of the Services to Youth Facet.

Enhancing Academic Achievement

✪ Implement dynamic programs to improve students’ reading and math skills, using interactive tools and evidence-based strategies that make learning accessible and enjoyable.

Winter Coats Drive

✪ Providing warm coats to elementary school students, ensuring they stay comfortable and focused on learning during the colder months.

Empowering Parents for Family Success

✪ Equip parents and caregivers with valuable knowledge in health, wellness, and financial literacy, helping them support their children’s education and overall well-being.

Awarded NASA Technology Grant

✪ The facet was awarded the NASA Summer of Innovation Science, Technology, Engineering and Math STEM Grant to train youth in the fields of math, science and engineering.

Inspiring a Lifelong Love for Learning

✪ Create engaging and playful learning experiences that ignite curiosity, encourage creativity, and build confidence in young learners.

Launching “StoryLinks”

✪ Developed from scratch using FlipGrid, this virtual learning initiative enhances literacy engagement at Rolling Terrace and Burnt Mills Elementary Schools. The chapter provided training and a comprehensive manual to ensure effective implementation.

Strengthening Schools with Essential Resources

✪ Foster collaborations with
community partners to supply schools with critical materials, technology, and support services, enhancing the learning environment and student success.

Conducted Parenting Classes

✪ Conducted parenting classes throughout Montgomery County, MD in consultation with churches and women’s support groups.

Co-Sponsored Teen Conference

✪ Co-sponsored the Choose Respect Teen Dating/Bullying Conference with the Montgomery County Family Justice Center Foundation.

Awarded State Farm Foundation Grant

✪ Awarded State Farm Insurance Foundation Grant to support chapter programming for Services to Youth.

Broadening Horizons Through Enrichment

✪ Provide exposure to health education, cultural arts, STEM, and other enriching subjects, ensuring children develop a well-rounded perspective and a passion for exploration.

Enhancing Reading Nights

✪ Purchased creative materials like blank bookmarks,markers, glitter, ribbons, stickers, and prizes to make literacy events interactive, fun, and inspiring for young readers.

FACETS

Services To Youth

The Arts

National Trends and Services

International Trends and Services

Health and Human Services

News

Empowering Financial Stability: Responding to Economic Uncertainty

In response to government actions that have created financial uncertainty for many Americans, the Silver Spring (MD) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, took proactive steps to address these challenges. During its February chapter meeting, leadership and members...

A Pioneer in Sickle Cell Research and Treatment

In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to sickle cell research and treatment, Clarice Reid, an Alumna member of the Silver Spring (MD) Chapter, was recently honored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) during National Sickle Cell...

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