Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first Greek letter organization for African Americans, and the first college fraternity for African American men, was founded in 1906. The fraternity implemented its “Go-to-High School, Go-to-College Program” in 1922 to increase the number of black students eligible for college enrollment. Statistics prove the value of this extra impetus in making the difference in the success of young African-American men, given that school completion is the single best predictor of future economic success. Through the Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College educational initiative, young men receive information and learn strategies that facilitate success. Alpha men provide youth participants with excellent role models to emulate.
In 1977, Brother Ronald DeHart conceived the idea for the Zeta Alpha Lambda Chapter to recognize, expose and reward talented high school young men for their scholastic achievement.
Brother DeHart’s idea stemmed from his desire to see promising young men develop into tomorrow’s leaders.
The program continues to build on the principles established in its origin. Many young men have successfully completed the program and continued on to pursue degrees and careers in fields such as public administration, computer science, engineering, aviation, physics, medicine, and law.
Although Brother DeHart has transcended this life, his dream has become a reality. The men of the Zeta Alpha Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated are honored to continue his dream of molding the “Men of Tomorrow”.
Our Challenge:
In the Broward County Public High Schools, too many of our young men are suspended annually with only 67% of graduating*. Providing them with positive, successful reflections of themselves, along with knowledge, skills, preparation, and mentor-ship will prepare and inspire them to graduate high school and graduate college.
*Source: Florida’s High School Cohort 2015-16 Graduation Rate Update, December 2016; www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/7584/urlt/GradRates1516.pdf
Our Strategy:
• Establish high academic expectations
• Develop young men through mentor-ship,education, and leadership
• Strengthen family involvement
• Gain community support
• Celebrate, publicize & reward scholarship and academic achievement
Our Objectives:
• 100% HS graduation rate for MOT participating for at least one year
• 100% college acceptance rate for MOT participating for at least two years
• 100% college attendance rate for MOT participating for at least three years
• 100% college graduation rate for MOT participating for at least four years
Program Components:
• Attitude – self-esteem, self-confidence
• Knowledge – strategies for success
• Skills – thinking, planning, communicating
• Financial scholarships – presented to qualifying seniors.
