DeKalb Alphas Mentoring initiative History

Statistics proved then and to this day that the value of this extra impetus in making the difference in the success of young African American men. Completion both High School and College has proven to be the single best predictor of future economic success. In 2006 the Nu Mu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. developed the Dekalb Alphas Mentoring Initiative under the National program of “Go to High School, Go to College”.  The Chapter initially started the Young Men of Excellence program at Panola Way Elementary School with a group of fourth (4th) graders with a later expansion to eighth (8th) grade. The Mentors met with the boys bi-weekly and emphasized character development. In 2011 the chapter expanded the program to include 9th and 10th graders calling this group the Men of Excellence with an emphasis on educational development. The Junior Beaux (High School Juniors) program was developed in 2012 program entitled “College Ready, College Bound” designed to prepare the young men for college enrollment.  Our 12th graders are called Beaux and go through a series of enrichments their senior year that culminate with the Chapters signature event called the “Scholarship Beautillion”.

Early in the program the chapter developed its own mentoring curriculum called C.E.L.L. C.E.L.L.  is an acronym for Community Service, Education, Life Skills and Leadership. The young men meet twice a month covering several topics or going on field trips centered around the C.E.L.L. curriculum. For further support of the Dekalb Alphas Mentoring Initiative you can donate to the Charles H. Wesley Foundation at www.chwef.org.