Education Overview
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
Scholarships
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
The Adopt-A-School component is designed to get Sigma men into the schools in your community, working with teachers and principals to assist students in improving their knowledge, skills academically and build student literacy. While in the schools, your chapter will implement one or more of the sub-components of this initiative which include:
- Adopt-A-School Memorandum of Understanding
- Spelling Bees
- Reading Contests
- Essay Contests
- Debate & Oratorical Competitions
- Math and Problem Solving Competitions
- S.T.E.A.M related experiences, field trips and projects
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.
Advocacy for Education & Public Health
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.’s initiative for education and public health advocacy underscores its commitment to ensuring equal educational opportunities for all. This targeted program mobilizes both collegiate and alumni chapters to engage in advocacy efforts, including participation in educational forums and direct engagement with policymakers on educational and public health issues. Recognizing the intrinsic link between education and health outcomes, the initiative aims to influence policy, promote community awareness, and improve access to education and health resources.
Oratorical and Debate Contests
The oratorical and debate contest will continue to be sponsored and supported by the Eastern Regional Director of Education. We must collectively be committed to making these competitions the showcases of intellectual discourse and eloquent oratory that they were designed to be. Graduate advisors, chapter presidents, area directors, chapter education chairs and state education chairs all share in the collective responsibility to encourage our collegians to participate in this showcase. The skill sets that can be honed and perfected in this contest have cross applications in the job market that is simply unparalleled.
The themes, monetary prizes and chapter trophies will come through your State Directors of Education and supported by the region when you decide to implement. The information and rules on how to conduct a competition at the state level is all available on our national website. You can also go to www.debate-central.org in order to gain more clarity on the rules for conducting the Lincoln Douglas as well as the oratorical contests at the state level or contact me directly Education@pbseast.org for more information.
For information please visit our IHQ.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Western Region