The Alpha Foundation of Howard County, Inc. is dedicated to providing the financial and mentoring support for the education programs managed by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter. The education programs are designed to enhance the educational and cultural experience of young Black men with the goal of creating a new generation of leaders.

 

KPL Educational Programs & Initiatives

Alpha Achievers
Established in 1997, this nationally recognized program targets African American males who have a minimum 3.0 grade point average or higher. The program also promotes character growth, develops leadership skills and critical thinking, while encouraging its members to become full citizens of the school and the community. Alpha Achievers currently serves over 350 young men at all twelve Howard County Public High Schools. This effort complements the national program of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. entitled "Go To High School, Go To College."

Harambee Conference
This annual conference provides the opportunity for representatives of Alpha Achievers Chapters throughout Howard County to learn and collaborate with one another during a half-day session that includes guest speakers, workshops and luncheon that focus on a particular theme.

High Achievers
This pilot program seeks to prepare African American male middle school students for the academic, emotional and social transition that occurs upon entering high school. Through a series of extracurricular and school based activities, members of the Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter mentor Howard County Public School students to increase self-esteem and social skills. This effort complements the National Program of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. entitled "Go To High School, Go To College."

Project Alpha
Project Alpha provides education, motivation and skill-building on issues of responsibility, relationships, teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases for high school age males in Howard County. This national Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. program conceived in partnership with the March of Dimes consists of a series of workshops and informational sessions that are locally conducted by Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter members. The three goals of Project Alpha are to share knowledge by combating ignorance and fear with factual information, to change attitudes by providing motivation toward positive changes in sexual behavior and to provide skills by creating a sense of empowerment and self-esteem.

Ojise Essay Contest
The objective of this program is to encourage critical thinking and analysis among the African American males of Howard County Public School System. At the same time, this initiative exposes students to important research, history and literature that is relevant to the African Diaspora. Financial awards are made to the top three essays based upon an established rubric.

Alpha Sankofa: Reclaim Your History To Realize Your Future
Sankofa is an African word from the Akan tribe in Ghana.  The literal translation of the word and the symbol is “it is not taboo to fetch what is at risk of being left behind.” This program is designed to re-establish a connection between young African-American males and their historic and cultural roots in Ghana, West Africa. Two components of the program are: Du-Bois-Robeson International Scholars, which is a travel program to Ghana and the Dr. Henry Arthur Callis Memorial Project, which supports health and science education programs in Agogo, Ashanti Region of Ghana.

Leadership Development Institute
The Leadership Development Institute (LDI) aims to develop a 21st century generation of African American leaders. To this end, the members of the Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter, as well as other regional chapters, sponsor, organize and facilitate this program. Along with professionals & experts, the workshop leaders instruct the participants in parliamentary procedures, conflict resolution, models of leadership, public speaking, community and civic engagement and educational enhancement skills. This annual three-day program of intense leadership training for high-school age young men takes place at a local area college or university.