The basis of the Education program lies in the traditional emphasis that the Fraternity places on education. During the 1945 Conclave in St. Louis, Missouri, the Fraternity underwent a constitution restructuring which led to the birth of education as an international program. The program focuses on programming and services to alumni and collegiate in the Fraternity. Programs such as scholarships, lectures, college fairs, mentoring and tutoring enhance this program on local, regional and national levels.
The mission of the International Education Program is to empower our community and our membership by providing educational resources, advocating for educational equality, and forming strategic partnerships that develop our next generation of leaders.
The international program of education strengthens our membership by:
- Developing education and career goals
- Providing financial support/scholarships
- Forming strategic partnerships with organizations that share our vision
- Increasing graduation rates and number of Brothers seeking post-secondary degrees.
- Promoting education as a way of success.
The international program of education transforms our communities by:
- Conducting programs to introduce kids to college and mentoring to promote personal aspirations
- Preparing students for graduation
- Decreasing incarceration rates among African American males through education
- Developing leadership and promoting education as a means of achieving success
Bro. Dr. LaSella L. Hall
Director of Education
Education Links:
Welcome to the Eastern Region’s Education Initiative
The Education Program stands as a testament to the Fraternity’s enduring commitment to advancing excellence in education and community impact. Originating from the transformative 1945 Conclave in St. Louis, Missouri, this program evolved into an international initiative, reflecting the Fraternity’s belief in education as a foundation for success. Recognizing the interconnectedness of education and community well-being, our initiatives extend beyond individual academic pursuits to make a positive impact at the broader societal level.
SCHOLARSHIP
Scholarship stands as a cornerstone among the triad of guiding principles upheld by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. It is incumbent upon every chapter to embrace and foster this ideal, recognizing that providing educational opportunities is not merely an option but an essential mandate. This principle is meticulously designed to amplify Phi Beta Sigma’s influence in educational support, specifically aiming to alleviate the financial burdens faced by African American men. By awarding scholarships at both the high school and collegiate levels, Phi Beta Sigma demonstrates its unwavering commitment to nurturing these young men’s academic and professional futures, thereby contributing significantly to the broader objective of educational advancement within our communities.
ADOPT-A-SCHOOL (AAS)
The initiative has been thoughtfully crafted to engage our Brothers directly within the educational institutions of our community. This endeavor seeks to position such involvement as a series of value-added activities, with a twofold objective: to enhance student literacy and to accumulate educational service hours. Furthermore, this approach is aimed at augmenting male presence within schools, thereby solidifying our commitment to the educational upliftment of our community’s youth. Through this strategic engagement, we aspire to deliver substantial benefits to both our members and the students we aim to support, underlining our dedication to fostering an environment of learning and development.
LITERACY
The Literacy Initiative is a strategic response to the disproportionately low literacy rates observed among African American third graders. Targeting students in the K-5 age group, this program is designed to implement evidence-based literacy interventions that foster reading proficiency and comprehension skills from an early age. The initiative aims to bridge the educational gap and ensure a solid groundwork for future academic success and lifelong learning by concentrating efforts on foundational literacy. Through a combination of tailored tutoring, culturally relevant materials, and engaging literacy activities, Phi Beta Sigma seeks to uplift young learners, empowering them with the critical reading skills necessary for their academic journey and beyond. This initiative underscores Phi Beta Sigma’s commitment to educational equity and the intellectual empowerment of African American communities.
S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
Phi Beta Sigma’s STEM initiative directly addresses the critical shortage of hands-on STEM learning experiences for underrepresented youths, a gap where traditional education models often do not suffice. Our initiative offers immersive learning opportunities designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge for success in higher education and careers within the STEM fields. STEM education, underpinned by Standards of Practice, integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics content with essential behaviors such as inquiry, logical reasoning, and collaborative investigation. This approach aims to prepare students for advanced study and the demands of the 21st-century workforce.