During the 13th Annual convention in Kansas City, Missouri, the Fraternity adopted the “Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College” program as our first National Program in 1920. This program concentrates on the importance of completing secondary and collegiate education as a road to advancement. 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.

“A Voteless People is a Hopeless People” was initiated as a National Program of Alpha during the 1930’s when many African-Americans had the right to vote but were prevented from voting because of poll taxes, threats of reprisal, and lack of education about the voting process. Historically, the likelihood that an individual will actually vote once registered has been high, and 2008 was no exception. Of all registered individuals, 90 percent reported voting, up slightly from 89 percent in the 2004 presidential election.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation began collaboratively implementing Project Alpha in 1980. This collaborative project is designed to provide education, motivation and skill-building on issues of responsibility, relationships, teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases for young males ages 12-15 years. Designed to provide young men with current and accurate information about teen pregnancy prevention, Project Alpha consists of a series of workshops and informational sessions.

As our legacy for community service dictates, we must lead by example. We should demonstrate respect for our elders and their families within our own fraternal organization and community. Many of our elderly Brothers have dedicated their lives in service to Alpha Phi Alpha and to their communities. It is out of deep admiration, appreciation, and respect for this body of work that Brother’s Keeper has been developed.