Sustainable Community Building – Richland’s Upward Bound program and the Plano North Metroplex chapter of The Links, Inc., co-sponsored a STEM program, Inspiring and Empowering STEM Leaders of Tomorrow, that won a top award at the 38th National Assembly conference of The Links, Incorporated. This collaborative program, serving more than 300 students, was named the top program for the 2010-2012 biennium and recipient of the coveted Legacy Award. Shifting demographics and a shortage of minorities within STEM fields provided the impetus for this innovative educational awareness program. James M. Spigner, Richland Upward Bound director, served as the liaison and chair of this award-wining program.