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 Posse Scholar finalists!
The Posse Scholarship is a prestigious full-tuition merit scholarship awarded to high school students with strong leadership potential, academic promise, and a commitment to making an impact in their communities. The selection process looks far beyond grades and test scores, and students have to be nominated to apply. In addition to the financial award, Posse Scholars receive intensive pre-college training during their senior year of high school, four years of mentorship from Posse staff, and career advising to help them succeed after college.
We recently had a chat with Jayla, Zuri, and Chace, and here’s what they had to say:
What was the Posse Scholar application process like?
Jayla: Challenging but very rewarding. It pushed me to reflect on my leadership and how I work with others. In addition, being a Posse finalist has made me realize I have so much potential and that I should never give up.
Zuri: The process for applying to Posse has been relatively clean and simple. It is a series of interviews where they want to get to know you as a person and see how you stand out. Compared to applying to other programs, Posse tells you what you will need in advance. The interviews are also within a reasonable time frame, which is helpful when you’re in school. The experience has been great, and I am appreciating how quick it has been.
Chace: The application process has been exciting to say the least. It has consisted of a group interview with around 100 people and an individual interview. I was nervous at first, but by being encouraged to just be confident in myself, it has paid off so far.
How has LINK helped prepare you for college?
Jayla: I had the opportunity to be part of the very first Jr. LINK class, and ever since then, I have had exposure to mentorship, leadership, and college readiness. I was introduced to excellent staff, and I have made many connections as a LINK Scholar. I’ve been able to participate in workshops and community service events, and LINK has truly been a community that has believed in me. I’ve grown so much through this program, and I’ll always be grateful for how it has prepared me to succeed beyond high school.
Zuri: Link has prepared me for my next steps, particularly regarding engaging with people who are in the fields I am interested in. Without that, I wouldn’t have learned more about chemical engineering, a career I was interested in previously.
Chace: LINK has prepared me for my next steps after graduation by giving us the experiences of those who have already gone through life after graduation. With people such as Mentors, who prepare us for what life has coming for us, or having opportunities to listen to panelists who have succeeded in their field or are studying for that field, we get real-world stories that give us ideas and inspiration for our future.
What are you looking forward to in college?
Jayla: I’m looking forward to experiencing more independence, meeting people from different backgrounds, and getting involved on campus. I’m also excited to take on opportunities that will allow me to grow both inside and outside the classroom.
Zuri: I’m looking forward to doing and learning about things that genuinely matter to me. In high school, the curriculum is structured, and you are required to take specific classes. In college, I will have a much greater opportunity to meet people like me and learn with them as we challenge ourselves to grow.
Chace: I’m looking forward to an experience that will allow me to prosper into a person that I can be proud of. I’m also looking forward to the continuation of my educational journey, because I have a deep passion for learning.
What advice would you offer to younger LINK Scholars or applicants to the program?
Jayla: I would encourage other Scholars to take advantage of every opportunity LINK offers, even if it feels outside your comfort zone or you think it won’t help you—because, trust me, it will. Always stay curious and involved. Lastly, be intentional with making connections, because you never know where they may lead you.
Zuri: For younger LINK Scholars or applicants, it’s okay to not immediately know what you want to do in the future or what college you want to go to. That process takes a long time, and I’m not even finished with it. Also, read a lot. It will help with college essays.
Chace: I would say to take advantage of everything that is offered to you, even if you’re scared. If you are scared to fail and never take a risk, you won’t really know how to appreciate those wins.
Congratulations, Jayla, Zuri, and Chace! We are so proud of you, and we can’t wait to see how your future unfolds in the next few months and years!
