​​HBCU Initiative 

San Fernando Valley (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated enthusiastically supports HBCUs and offers an academic scholarship to a student of African descent attending an HBCU.​

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Academic Scholarships

One-time academic scholarships are awarded to students whose record reflects high academic scholarship, community engagement, and/or financial need, and show confirmation of enrollment in an accredited college or university or graduate program. 

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Types of Academic Scholarships:

1. Graduating High School Student

2. Continuing College Student

3. Graduate Student

4. HBCU Student

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicant must:

1. Have a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 unweighted scale.

2. Reside in the San Fernando Valley, Antelope Valley or Santa Clarita Valley.

   • Foster youth residing in these communities, are encouraged to apply 

3. Submit verification of Fall 2026 full-time enrollment.​

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Application Packet Requirements

The following documents must be submitted with the application in a single packet:

1. A completed and signed application form (applicant and parents’ or guardians’ signatures required if applicant is under 18 years of age.

2. An official transcript, (Note: transcripts must be sealed by your school’s records office in order to be considered official)

3. One letter of recommendation speaking to accomplishments in the following areas:

   • Academic Achievement

   • Community Service

   • Extracurricular Activities

   • Employment Experience.

4. Essay based on the essay prompt and instructions (see Basis of Selection below)

5. A recent high-resolution photo of yourself (.jpeg preferred format)

Note: Submission of an image by applicant grants consent for reproduction and use of all such photographs, digital images, films and likenesses for publicity purposes in publications, brochures, advertisements, promotional and marketing materials and all other media venues, all without further notice or compensation. Applicant hereby releases the San Fernando Valley (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated of all proprietary rights and copyrights in all such photographs, digital images, films and likenesses (including negatives, positives, and prints) which shall be and remain the property of the San Fernando Valley (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.

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Completed Application Packet must be postmarked or emailed by 11:59 p.m. PDT on January 31, 2026. 

 

Contents will not be returned to the applicant. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

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Basis of Selection

The following criteria will be taken into consideration in making the awards:

• Academic achievement

• Extra-curricular activities, Leadership Roles, Community Service and/or Employment experience.

• Awards and Recognitions

• The quality of writing, critical thinking, and creativity shown in your essay

• Letter of recommendation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Questions about scholarship(s) and how to submit? Email us at: scholarship.SFVLinks@yahoo.com

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