Carla Wicks
Services to Youth Chair
San Francisco (CA) Chapter
Links Connected to Prepare Our Youth for Success
The goal of the Services to Youth Facet is to empower black youth to leverage their intellect and spirit of achievement to become successful, productive citizens.
National Signature Programs
- Links to Success
- Links STEM Ready
- Links Love HBCUs
National Initiatives
- Linked Up Mentoring Initiative
National Supporting Programs
- Young Achievers
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE
FACET HIGHLIGHTS
The Western Area is aligned with national initiatives—Links STEMReady, Links Love HBCUs, and Links to Success—to bridge these gaps. One flagship effort, Dr. Me!, was developed by Western Area STY and STEM leadership to introduce K–5 African American students to healthcare careers. Aligned with the 2022 Biden-Harris STEMM equity initiative, the program features hands-on learning, mentorship, and exposure to Black healthcare professionals—building knowledge, confidence, and cultural pride.
Over half of the 61 Western Area chapters have implemented Dr. Me!, reaching thousands of students across 10 states. In a landmark expansion, Dr. Me! launched in Montego Bay, Jamaica, reaching 150 preschool students. In 2024, the program received $150,000 in funding from Kaiser Permanente to support California-based programming and expansion to Hawaii and Portland.
Links Love HBCUs promotes Historically Black Colleges and Universities as nurturing environments for academic and career growth. The Western Area raised over $150,000 for HBCUs and co-hosted the Community Trilogy, a one-day summit featuring discussions on gun violence, human trafficking, and civic engagement.
Chapters also support NSBE Jr. to promote STEM pathways for middle and high school students. Many now use umbrella models that integrate STEMM across programming for sustained engagement.
Sustainability efforts include continued focus on Dr. Me!, NSBE Jr., AI/coding, literacy, and mentorship—ensuring long-term impact.
