The Links, Incorporated created its first program facet, Services to Youth, to equip Black youth to use their intellect and spirit of achievement to become successful and productive citizens. The Links, Incorporated is committed to addressing the underrepresentation of African Americans in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields.

The Services to Youth facet uses an integrated approach to prepare young people to succeed as healthy citizens in the global workforce and to promote healthy lifestyles within families and communities. Services to Youth (STY) programming has consistently focused on enriching the lives of under-resourced children in a holistic manner. Partnering with Family Focus-Evanston and Oakton Elementary School’s African Centered Curriculum classes, the North Shore Chapter has provided a variety of programs through the years addressing literacy, anti-bullying and healthy lifestyles. The Chapter, since its inception has provided financial support and academic scholarships to North Shore area youth.

In 2021, the North Shore (IL) Links in partnership with Family Focus, Evanston Public Library and Northwestern University’s National Association of Black Engineers (NSBE) Chapter, collaborated to re-instate a NSBE Jr. chapter at Family Focus. In 2022, our chapter won a 2022 National Best Practices Award for the implementation of a STEM program for children with the Evanston Public Library.