Welcome

Welcome to the North Jersey (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated ScholarLinks college scholarship program.

ScholarLinks supports graduating seniors who live and/or attend high school in Essex County and meet established criteria.

Rooted in our commitment to advancing educational, civic, and cultural initiatives across the African diaspora, the program provides renewable financial assistance to qualifying students pursuing a four-year college degree.

The Links, Incorporated is an international organization of more than 17,000 professional women who identify as being of African ancestry. Founded in 1946 and devoted to friendship and service, The Links includes 303 chapters across 41 states, the Bahamas, and the United Kingdom.

North Jersey (NJ) Chapter has been serving the greater Essex County area for more than 75 years.

History

In November 2025, the North Jersey (NJ) Chapter launched ScholarLinks as a pathway to possibility and a bridge to brilliance for Essex County students. The inaugural scholarships will be awarded in 2026.

Questions?

For more information, please email NorthJerseyScholarLinks@gmail.com.

ScholarLinks Scholarship Application

Purpose:

The North Jersey ScholarLinks Program provides financial assistance and academic recognition to students from backgrounds historically underrepresented in the college population who demonstrate academic promise, leadership potential, and resilience in overcoming barriers to higher education. The purpose of this application is to ensure a fair, transparent, and equitable process for selecting scholarship recipients.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Academic Standing: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

• Financial Need: As determined by student submission of one of the following: proof of eligibility for financial aid pursuant to FAFSA; or proof of household income below 400% of the federal poverty level.

• Citizenship/Residency: U.S. citizens or permanent residents residing in Essex County, New Jersey.

• Background and Personal Circumstances: We welcome applications from first-generation college students, students at Title I or under-resourced high schools, students with experience in foster care, being unhoused, or similar hardship.

Scholarship Application Instructions:

Deadline:

All scholarship application materials must be received by Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. We encourage you to apply early.

Eligibility Note:

Applications from relatives of members of The Links, Incorporated will not be considered.

The North Jersey ScholarLinks Program Committee will only consider materials requested and required. The committee will only review completed applications.

A scholarship application is considered complete only when all of the following items have been submitted by the deadline:

1. Online Application (Submit Online Only): The scholarship application (including applicant’s signature and parent/guardian’s signature) must be completed and submitted online. Mailed or emailed applications will not be considered.

2. Official Transcript (Submit/Upload Online Only): Your most recent official high school transcript must be uploaded online by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. A minimum cumulative (not weighted) GPA of 3.0 is required as described in the Eligibility Criteria.

3. Confirmation Email (Required): Once you have submitted the completed application online, please send an email to NorthJerseyScholarLinks@gmail.com with your first name, last name, and school in the subject line, sent from the student applicant’s email address. This email will be used to communicate any issues.