The Jazz Links Student Council was created in 2005, to give direct voice to young jazz musicians at the high school level. The Jazz Links Student Council is comprised of students who are ambitious about developing as jazz musicians, and striving to learn about the music business and how to work at the organizational level.

The Jazz Institute hosts student council meetings and offers guidance to help the students achieve their collective goals. The emergence of the Jazz Links Ensemble and Chicago Jazz Ensemble Mentorship program have been a direct result of the student council’s voice being heard.

The Jazz Links Ensemble performs at JazzCity, Made in Chicago at Millennium Park, Chicago Jazz Festival and  Jazz Fair concerts as well as other venues throughout the year, participate in the CJE Mentorship Program and help to promote the Jazz Links Jam Sessions. JLSC members also mentor younger musicians and recruit other young musicians for the jam sessions. Other future activities include workshops on CD production, improvisation and the music business.