2024 Achievers Journal Digital - Flipbook - Page 29
History of
The Achiever Program
Forty one years ago, the Angel City (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated began a program to assist
male African American high school seniors prepare for college and meet their life’s goals. The idea of
scholarships for college-bound males was suggested by Link Phyllis Fields. Link Harriett Rose established
the goals, designed six-months of activities, wrote the Achiever Oath and named it, “THE ACHIEVER
PROGRAM.” Substantial scholarships are a keynote of the program. Over $4 million dollars in
scholarships has been given since 1982 and a total of 1444 young men have completed the Link Achiever
Program and now donate their time and resources to help others.
The program provides assistance in raising scholarship money to further the education of these deserving
students. Each young man is assigned a Link sponsor who advises throughout the six-month training period.
The Achievers also interact and bond with male role models in the community called “Confreres.” The
Confreres often work in the same professions that the Achievers wish to pursue.
The focus is to prepare the Achievers for the challenges of life, with an emphasis on contributing to society
and their community. They also receive assistance with college preparation, advice on entrepreneurial skills
and guidance in community involvement.
An important event is “Achiever Night.” This is a reunion for all the young men who have completed
this program. During this “male-bonding evening,” the Alumni Achievers share their college and
work experiences and are joined by Connecting Links and Confreres. Additional activities leading to
self-development are Confrere–Mentor sessions, parent workshops, a community service project and
rehearsals for the Affair of Honor.
The young men selected to participate in this program are recommended by high school principals,
counselors, and teachers. Recommendations are also accepted from interested organizations, churches,
Alumni Achievers, and individuals who support the program with 昀椀nancial contributions.
The members of the Angel City (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and in partnership with the
Achievement Trust. Work devotedly toward the success of this program. We hold a strong conviction that –
“as our young African-American males go, so goes the future of our race.”
It is a magni昀椀cent moment when the Achievers accept certi昀椀cates, medallions and 昀椀nancial awards before
parents, families, and friends. The Affair of Honor culminates with their formal taking of the Achiever Oath.
We congratulate Our 2024 Achievers as they proudly accept
accolades for their academics and leadership.
The Achiever Oath
I,
an Achiever,
commit myself to achievement for myself and to the lifelong
sharing of my talents and abilities for the betterment of my
community and humanity. And this I promise.
The achievement
trust
43RD Annual
29
Affair of Honor
