Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Partnership Promotes Leadership Skills and Community Service

June 13th, 2017

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is renewing its longstanding partnership with the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter to promote academic success, leadership, personal responsibility, and community service among high school males of African-American and African heritage. The partnership agreement will be updated with an official partnership signing on Wednesday, June 14, at Sheraton Columbia Waterside Restaurant in Columbia, Maryland.

Under the terms of the agreement, Kappa Phi Lambda members will provide support for the Alpha Achievers program at each high school. The Alpha Achievers honors program targets high school males of African-American and African heritage with a 3.0 or above grade point average and helps foster a positive learning environment, promote character growth, develop leadership and critical thinking skills, and encourage its members to become full citizens of the school and the community.

Kappa Phi Lambda members will serve as mentors to students, provide presentations on African-American history and culture, offer scholarships and grants, and plan and implement program activities throughout the year.

Howard County Board of Education Vice Chairman Bess Altwerger, Board Member Mavis Ellis, HCPSS Deputy Superintendent Linda Wise, and Community Outreach and Engagement Director Diane Martin will join Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter President John Taylor, Director of Educational Activities Bruce Nelson, Alpha Achiever Coordinator Brandon Barrett, and fraternity members to sign the formal partnership agreement at the June 14 event.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity develops leaders, and promotes brotherhood and academic excellence while providing service and advocacy for its communities through its 706 chapters throughout the world. The Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter is involved in many local civic and educational activities in Howard County.

The HCPSS Partnerships Office has united schools with more than 1,000 businesses and community organizations to enhance the educational experience of Howard County students. 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.