Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Partnership Promotes Academic and Leadership Development

November 20th, 2014

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Iota Lambda Omega Chapter and Howard County Public School System have collaborated for many years to support the academic, social and emotional development of students. This longstanding relationship will be formalized with an official partnership signing Tuesday, November 25 at the Sheraton Columbia Waterside Restaurant, 10207 Wincopin Circle.

Under the terms of the partnership agreement, the sorority will collaborate with the Wilde Lake Middle School Bridges 21st Century Community Learning Centers program to provide an Emerging Young Leaders program for girls. The sorority also will develop a MESA (Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement) club at the Monarch Mills Community Based Learning Center and will provide an annual scholarship for a high school senior who plans to attend a Historically Black University or College. Sorority representatives will work with the Office of Pupil Personnel Services to provide support for students in need of school supplies and winter clothing. This partnership is aligned with Vision 2018 strategies to provide targeted services to students and families who would benefit from additional supports.

Howard County Board of Education Chairman Ellen Flynn Giles, Board Member Lawrence Walker and HCPSS Executive Director School Improvement and Administration Frank Eastham will join Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Iota Lambda Omega Chapter President Tracey L. Williams, 1st Vice President Sharon Street and Community Outreach Specialist Jean W. Lewis to sign the formal partnership agreement at the November 25 event.

Founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC in 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women. Since its chartering in 1972, the AKA Iota Lambda Omega Chapter has grown from twenty-three members to almost two hundred members who conduct numerous educational and philanthropic programs in Howard County.

The Howard County Public School System’s Partnerships Office 
unites businesses and community organizations with schools to enhance the educational experience. Partnerships benefit schools, businesses, and the entire community by leveraging the resources of all participants. Partners may commit human or financial resources or other support.

For more information, contact Partnerships Office Manager Mary Schiller at 410-313-6655 or mary_schiller@hcpss.org.