LINK Newsletter
Get updates on news that matters to you.
Mentor Spotlight: Nara Lucas, LINK Class of 1998
We’re thrilled to shine the Mentor Spotlight on Nara Lucas, LINK Alumna, Class of 1998. Let’s hear what Nara had
Looking for New Mentors! Recruitment Is Underway
Interested in helping to make college dreams a reality? We are seeking 30 new College & Career Mentor-Sponsors to support
Scholar Spotlight: Posse Scholars Selected
We’re thrilled to share that three Class of 2026 LINK Scholars—Chace Martin (Cornell University), Jayla Allen (University of Wisconsin–Madison), and
Upcoming Event: April Saturday Academy
Mark your calendars now for our next—and final—Saturday Academy of the school year in April! Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026Time:
LINK Applications Under Review
Our team is hard at work reviewing applications to select our new Jr. LINK and High School Scholars. We’ve loved
Thank You, Saturday Academy Sponsors!
A special shoutout and thank you to U.S. Bank for sponsoring our January Saturday Academy and Career Exploration Day and to FedEx Cares for
Board Member Notable Recognition: Congratulations, Kimberly A. Cook!
We proudly celebrate LINK board member Kimberly A. Cook, who was recently named to Crain’s Chicago Business list of “Notable
Partner Spotlight: Welcome, Oberlin College!
LINK is proud to welcome Oberlin College as a new Collegiate Partner joining our network in 2026! Located just 35
Partner Spotlight: Welcome, Hamilton College!
LINK is thrilled to welcome back Hamilton College as a Collegiate Partner! This original partnership dates back many years, when
Alumni Spotlight: Ardrell Mannings, LINK Class of 1986
As LINK celebrates 60 years of impact, we’re proud to shine the Alumni Spotlight on Ardrell Mannings, Class of 1986.
Scholar Spotlight: Study Abroad Recap
In Summer 2025, Mariya Mason, a senior Scholar at Fenwick High School, participated in a two-week study abroad program in
In Case You Missed It: Scholars Explore Dominican University
When Scholars participate in college exposure opportunities, they take an important step toward making informed and empowered decisions about their
In Case You Missed It: Mentor Happy Hour for National Mentoring Month
Our recent Mentor Happy Hour on Thursday, January 29, was such a meaningful way to close out National Mentoring Month!
Save the Dates: Scholar Celebration & Golf Outing
Save the Date: 2026 Scholar Celebration We’re excited to recognize and celebrate the achievements of the graduating class of 2026
Congrats to Dr. Toinette Gunn!
We’re proud to share that our president and CEO, Dr. Toinette Gunn, was honored by Girls Inc. of Chicago as
Welcome New Staff
We’re thrilled to welcome four new staff members to the LINK team: Muñeca Diaz, Coordinator, Advancement & External Affairs; Myaah
In Case You Missed It: Alumni Happy Hour and Giving Challenge
LINK alumni recently gathered at our office for a memorable Alumni Happy Hour. The event marked a special moment for
January Saturday Academy Highlights & Photos
Career Inspiration Day Connects Scholars to Future Pathways On January 31st, we hosted another impactful Saturday Academy along with our
Honor the Past & Invest in the Future
A Year-End Reflection as LINK Approaches 60 Years As we enter the winter season and the countdown to our 60th
We’re Hiring
LINK Unlimited Scholars is where hard work meets heart work. We push ourselves because our Scholars deserve nothing less. If
Special Thanks to Our Federal Work Study Students
We’re so grateful for the assistance, support, and hard work we’ve had from our two federal work study students—Jada Ghee
It’s Coming! January Saturday Academy & Annual Career Inspiration Day
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? Get ready, because that’s exactly what
It’s Coming! January Saturday Academy & Annual Career Inspiration Day
Curious about careers? Want to meet real professionals and explore your options for your future? Don’t miss Dream. Discover. Do.:
Scholar Spotlight: Study Abroad Recap
Social. Different. Amusing. That’s how Scholar Ari Jones (a senior at Whitney Young High School) describes her 5-week study-abroad experience
Champions of the College Application Journey: Meet Our College Specialists
LINK’s College Specialists play a vital role for our senior Scholars, helping guide them in every stage of the college
In Case You Missed It
An admissions representative from Brandeis University met with LINK Scholars on Tuesday, October 14, to share information about Brandeis as
Alumni Spotlight: Taylor Tucker
We’re excited to shine the Alumni Spotlight on Taylor Tucker, class of 2013 from St. Ignatius College Prep. Taylor first
Partner Spotlight: Jordan Wings
Special thanks to the Jordan brand for providing shoes for our Scholars! At the October Saturday Academy, Scholars who followed
In Case You Missed It
Alumni Town Hall Recap Special thanks to all those who attended our very first Virtual Alumni Town Hall last month!
Gratitude for Giving Tuesday
A huge thank you to everyone who supported LINK on Giving Tuesday! Thanks to your generosity, we raised $10,000 to
Mentor Spotlight: Troi Sharpp
We’re thrilled to shine the Mentor Spotlight on Troi Sharpp, a client consulting manager in the Visa Consulting Analytics practice
Mentors & Scholars Together
Scholar Herbert Moore (junior at Whitney Young) and Mentors Deja McClellan and Anthony Pilgrim enjoyed their first outing together on
Welcoming New Board Member Kimberly A. Cook
We’re thrilled to welcome Kimberly A. Cook, a distinguished mediator and attorney at Schiller DuCanto & Fleck, LLP, to the
October Saturday Academy Highlights and Photos
Scholars were excited to be back together at the first Saturday Academy of the year on Saturday, October 25,
Save the Date: Mentor Happy Hour!
Mark your calendar and join us for Mentor Happy Hour—a night to relax, connect, and celebrate the incredible impact you’re
Scholar Spotlight: Posse Finalists
We’re thrilled to announce that three Class of 2026 LINK Scholars—Jayla Allen, Zuri Joplin, and Chace Martin—have been selected as
































