BE A SCHOLAR

Change your life trajectory by becoming a LINK Scholar.

What does it mean to be a LINK Scholar?

Our Scholars complete a four-year fellowship that is advanced through one-on-one mentoring. Our programming elements include Academic Enrichment, Leadership Development, Career Exposure, and College Access. In addition to the following Eligibility Requirements, see the Application Timeline and Scholar Application FAQs for our Scholar standards.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the LINK Unlimited Scholars program, applicants must:

Mission & Identity Alignment

Be able to show that they have experienced or been affected by systems of inequity, especially those that disproportionately affect Black students and communities.
Demonstrate a personal, familial, or cultural connection to Black identity, community, or experience through various aspects of their lived experiences, community involvement, and personal background.
Exhibit a commitment to service, leadership, and making an impact in Black communities.

Academic Readiness & Personal Qualities

Currently in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade and prepared to actively engage in LINK’s long-term, college-focused fellowship.
Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Have maintained at least 90% school attendance.
Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and motivation to succeed.
Show capacity for and commitment to extracurricular involvement (e.g., sports, clubs, community service).
Exhibit the ability to build meaningful peer relationships and a strong interest in a mentoring relationship.

Financial Eligibility

Demonstrate financial need in accordance with HUD’s Low-Income Guidelines for Cook County.
Be able to submit required financial documentation, including:
- Most recent W-2 and federal tax return (1040).
- Other documentation as requested for income verification.

If you’re interested in becoming a LINK Scholar, carefully read about our admissions process and expectations. Our application process is currently closed and will reopen in fall 2025. If you’d like to be notified when our application process opens, please email our admissions team at BeAScholar@linkunlimited.org.

APPLICATIONS FOR RISING 7TH-9TH GRADERS (HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES OF 2029, 2030, & 2031) ARE NOW CLOSED.

Please check back in fall 2025 when our application will reopen for current 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students (high school classes of 2030, 2031, & 2032).

Scholar Application FAQs

1. Who qualifies to be a LINK Unlimited Scholar?

Any Black 8th grade student with demonstrated financial need is eligible to apply to LINK Unlimited Scholars. Competitive candidates are confident communicators who are highly motivated, focused, involved in school and community, desire mentorship, and are college-bound. We seek candidates with strong academic records and good moral character.

Students who are already in high school are not eligible to apply to the LINK Unlimited Scholars program.

2. What is considered a strong academic record?

While we will evaluate students’ end of 7th grade report card and standardized test scores (NWEA/MAP), we know that academic potential can be measured in many other ways. For this reason, we look closely at the recommendation letters from each applicant’s 7th grade English/language arts and mathematics teachers. Those recommendations will give us a sense of the applicant’s study habits, work ethic, academic discipline, motivation, and drive.

3. My student has an IEP and/or 504 Plan. Can my student still apply to LINK Unlimited Scholars?

Yes, we encourage students with IEP and/or 504 Plans to apply to LINK.

4. Does the family have to pay anything?

Each family’s ability to contribute toward the educational cost of the student will be evaluated by LINK staff. If selected for an interview, applicants must provide verification of income and assets. Generally, scholarships have been awarded to students from families with 80% or less of Chicago Area Median Income (AMI). See the guidelines below.

5. Do I need to submit financial information even if my student will not be attending a tuition-based high school?

Yes, each application must include financial information, regardless of the type of high school your student plans to attend.

6. Does the scholarship apply to any school?

The LINK scholarship only applies to our Partnering High Schools.

7. I am only interested in the scholarship offered. What if I do not want my child having a mentor through LINK or I do not need/want the programming components?

In addition to our parents, LINK mentors are an integral part of the success we have here at LINK. It is expected that each family applying is interested and committed to ALL aspects of our programming including having a mentor for your child. The mentor relationship is viewed equally with our Scholars’ academics performance and full participation in our programs. Parents play a crucial role in the growth of the mentor/Scholar bond.

8. How do I apply for the high schools on your list?

Visit each school’s website or call them directly to learn more about the school’s application process. LINK cannot guarantee a student’s acceptance into one of our partner schools, nor can we help students get into a school after their deadline.

9. When is the application deadline for LINK?

Eighth grade students begin the application process for our four-year fellowship in the fall. Applications are typically due in mid-Winter. Please consult the website or our Programs team for pending deadlines. Contact our Programs teams for the upcoming deadline.

10. Is attending an info session a requirement to apply?

No, you do not have to attend an info session to be eligible to apply; however, it is strongly encouraged.

11. Can I submit additional recommendation letters (from other teachers, mentors, or community leaders) with my application?

Applicants are not able to submit additional recommendation letters.

12. What are the requirements for LINK Scholars and families?

Beyond the requirements listed under “Program Expectations” on the Become A Scholar page:

Scholars and families are required to check email frequently and reply in a timely manner (48-72 business hours) to all communication, unless a different deadline is specified.
Scholars and families are required to attend all mandatory programming, including but not limited to: annual orientation meetings, college counseling sessions, Saturday Academy, and Summer Learning.
Scholars are expected to maintain regular communication with their mentors.