Programs
- International Program
- YES! Summit
- Family Expo
- A.C.O.L.Y.T.E.S.
- Debutante Ball
2018-2022 International Program Overview
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® is dedicated to implementing programs of service that enhance the social, economic, and educational well-being of the local, national and international communities. Programs remain the heart of AKA. The size and scope of services provided to our communities have grown and significantly improve the quality of life for all who reside within our service areas.
The program theme for 2018-2022 is Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service. The International Program includes five program targets that are designed to advance the mission of Alpha Kappa Alpha with excellence and underscore our commitment to sustainable service.
The five program targets for 2018-2022 are:
Target 1: HBCU for Life: A Call to Action
Target 2: Women’s Healthcare and Wellness
Target 3: Building Your Economic Legacy
Target 4: The Arts!
Target 5: Global Impact
The Signature Program is #CAP℠ which is the abbreviation for College Admissions Process. It is designed to assist students in their efforts to enter college by providing a hands-on approach that includes all the steps from researching various colleges to actually completing the application process.
In addition to the program targets, the Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service administration is pleased to continue Community Impact Days. Chapters will engage in simultaneous activities that will benefit the community and continue our commitment to lifelong service.
A significant feature of this programmatic thrust is the launch of AKA UniversitySM! This exciting new platform will serve as the umbrella under which education, training, and leadership development will emerge so that members can enhance their personal development and provide more impactful service to the community.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® is dedicated to implementing programs of service that enhance the social, economic, and educational well-being of the local, national and international communities. Programs remain the heart of AKA. The size and scope of services provided to our communities have grown and significantly improve the quality of life for all who reside within our service areas.
The program theme for 2018-2022 is Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service. The International Program includes five program targets that are designed to advance the mission of Alpha Kappa Alpha with excellence and underscore our commitment to sustainable service.
The five program targets for 2018-2022 are:
Target 1: HBCU for Life: A Call to Action
Target 2: Women’s Healthcare and Wellness
Target 3: Building Your Economic Legacy
Target 4: The Arts!
Target 5: Global Impact
The Signature Program is #CAP℠ which is the abbreviation for College Admissions Process. It is designed to assist students in their efforts to enter college by providing a hands-on approach that includes all the steps from researching various colleges to actually completing the application process.
In addition to the program targets, the Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service administration is pleased to continue Community Impact Days. Chapters will engage in simultaneous activities that will benefit the community and continue our commitment to lifelong service.
A significant feature of this programmatic thrust is the launch of AKA UniversitySM! This exciting new platform will serve as the umbrella under which education, training, and leadership development will emerge so that members can enhance their personal development and provide more impactful service to the community.
Target 1: HBCU for Life: A Call to Action
Alpha Kappa Alpha will continue its focus on education with an emphasis on historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
• Chapters will promote and market historically black colleges and universities and encourage students to attend HBCUs as a sustainability measure. Activities will include researching and publishing information regarding prominent Alpha Kappa Alpha women and other notable individuals who attended HBCUs.
• Recognizing that HBCU funding is one of the primary obstacles that threaten the long-term growth and survival of HBCUs, members will be encouraged to financially support HBCUs. Alpha Kappa Alpha will implement an AKA HBCU Endowment Initiative in partnership with EAF, in which an endowed scholarship will be established at each accredited four-year HBCU. The goal is to stamp the Alpha Kappa Alpha brand of financial support on each HBCU campus to help students remain in school, complete their course of study, and receive their college degrees.
Signature Program:#CAP℠
Alpha Kappa Alpha will assist students as they seek admission to college by providing guidance and support in completing the application and enrollment process through the 2018-2022 Signature Program, #CAP℠.
Too many African-American high school students lack the basic support needed to navigate through the college admissions process. Through #CAP℠ chapters will partner with local high schools and youth groups to bridge the gap between high school and college by demystifying the college application and enrollment process. This educational initiative will extend to all colleges and universities, both HBCUs and non-HBCUs.
#CAP℠ is a step-by-step approach to facilitate college admission from researching various institutions and submitting applications through completion of the enrollment process. Chapters will assist students in completing college applications, preparing for the ACT and SAT, writing compelling personal statements, identifying scholarships and other financial aid, and compiling a portfolio to track college admission results. Through #CAP℠ Alpha Kappa Alpha will improve the trajectory of the lives of talented young people by increasing their potential for success and laying the foundation for positive, productive, and fulfilling lives.
• Chapters will promote and market historically black colleges and universities and encourage students to attend HBCUs as a sustainability measure. Activities will include researching and publishing information regarding prominent Alpha Kappa Alpha women and other notable individuals who attended HBCUs.
• Recognizing that HBCU funding is one of the primary obstacles that threaten the long-term growth and survival of HBCUs, members will be encouraged to financially support HBCUs. Alpha Kappa Alpha will implement an AKA HBCU Endowment Initiative in partnership with EAF, in which an endowed scholarship will be established at each accredited four-year HBCU. The goal is to stamp the Alpha Kappa Alpha brand of financial support on each HBCU campus to help students remain in school, complete their course of study, and receive their college degrees.
Signature Program:#CAP℠
Alpha Kappa Alpha will assist students as they seek admission to college by providing guidance and support in completing the application and enrollment process through the 2018-2022 Signature Program, #CAP℠.
Too many African-American high school students lack the basic support needed to navigate through the college admissions process. Through #CAP℠ chapters will partner with local high schools and youth groups to bridge the gap between high school and college by demystifying the college application and enrollment process. This educational initiative will extend to all colleges and universities, both HBCUs and non-HBCUs.
#CAP℠ is a step-by-step approach to facilitate college admission from researching various institutions and submitting applications through completion of the enrollment process. Chapters will assist students in completing college applications, preparing for the ACT and SAT, writing compelling personal statements, identifying scholarships and other financial aid, and compiling a portfolio to track college admission results. Through #CAP℠ Alpha Kappa Alpha will improve the trajectory of the lives of talented young people by increasing their potential for success and laying the foundation for positive, productive, and fulfilling lives.
Target 2: Women's Healthcare and Wellness
Alpha Kappa Alpha will continue to raise community awareness of critical health issues impacting African-American women. The primary focuses will be breast cancer awareness and prevention, heart health, nutrition and wellness, and care for the caregivers.
• Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention will focus specifically on early detection through mammograms to improve the survival rate of women diagnosed with breast cancer. Alpha Kappa Alpha will own a digital AKA Mobile Breast Cancer Screening Unit that will travel to various locations and provide mammogram screening. Chapters will partner with local clinics, rural health centers, and hospitals to emphasize the need for African-American women to receive regular mammograms.
• Heart Health remains a focus as the sorority enhances its commitment to healthy hearts through fitness activities and walking. Chapters will be encouraged to form walking clubs and to invite the community to join the walking initiatives.
• Nutrition and Wellness will emphasize healthy lifestyles including prenatal, childhood, adult, and senior nutrition programs. The focus will be on structured nutrition initiatives, and chapters will partner with local nutritionists and dieticians to design healthy eating plans and safe diets for longer, healthier living.
• Care for the Caregivers
places emphasis on taking care of those who take care of others. Chapters will emphasize the need for caregivers to practice preventive healthcare as well as self-care behavior to eliminate the vulnerabilities and risks associated with the stress of caregiving.
• Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention will focus specifically on early detection through mammograms to improve the survival rate of women diagnosed with breast cancer. Alpha Kappa Alpha will own a digital AKA Mobile Breast Cancer Screening Unit that will travel to various locations and provide mammogram screening. Chapters will partner with local clinics, rural health centers, and hospitals to emphasize the need for African-American women to receive regular mammograms.
• Heart Health remains a focus as the sorority enhances its commitment to healthy hearts through fitness activities and walking. Chapters will be encouraged to form walking clubs and to invite the community to join the walking initiatives.
• Nutrition and Wellness will emphasize healthy lifestyles including prenatal, childhood, adult, and senior nutrition programs. The focus will be on structured nutrition initiatives, and chapters will partner with local nutritionists and dieticians to design healthy eating plans and safe diets for longer, healthier living.
• Care for the Caregivers
places emphasis on taking care of those who take care of others. Chapters will emphasize the need for caregivers to practice preventive healthcare as well as self-care behavior to eliminate the vulnerabilities and risks associated with the stress of caregiving.
Target 3: Building Your Economic Legacy
Alpha Kappa Alpha will emphasize financial planning, asset accumulation, and wealth building including savings and investments, managing debt, and improving credit.
• Personal Financial Planning and Asset Accumulation. Financial
Freedom Legacy Workshops will be conducted in partnership with local certified financial planners who will share information on saving, investing, and retirement planning. Chapters will train community residents on ways to perform financial assessments to achieve their financial goals.
• Credit Repair and Monitoring. This initiative will focus on ways to repair credit and improve credit scores including how to check for inaccurate or outdated information in credit reports, and how to protect against both identity theft and unauthorized credit history use.
• Entrepreneurship and the Black Dollar 365. This initiative will highlight and promote successful African-American owned businesses with an aim toward spawning new entrepreneurial ventures in our communities by encouraging intentional support and leveraging the power of the black dollar 365 days a year.
• Operation AKA Assist. This initiative will focus on implementing programs to assist those in need in various communities by directing attention to the plight of the homeless, including homeless children, and homeless veterans. Chapters will partner with or adopt a shelter, a transitional home or an organization that provides assistance to these needy populations.
• Personal Financial Planning and Asset Accumulation. Financial
Freedom Legacy Workshops will be conducted in partnership with local certified financial planners who will share information on saving, investing, and retirement planning. Chapters will train community residents on ways to perform financial assessments to achieve their financial goals.
• Credit Repair and Monitoring. This initiative will focus on ways to repair credit and improve credit scores including how to check for inaccurate or outdated information in credit reports, and how to protect against both identity theft and unauthorized credit history use.
• Entrepreneurship and the Black Dollar 365. This initiative will highlight and promote successful African-American owned businesses with an aim toward spawning new entrepreneurial ventures in our communities by encouraging intentional support and leveraging the power of the black dollar 365 days a year.
• Operation AKA Assist. This initiative will focus on implementing programs to assist those in need in various communities by directing attention to the plight of the homeless, including homeless children, and homeless veterans. Chapters will partner with or adopt a shelter, a transitional home or an organization that provides assistance to these needy populations.
Target 4: The Arts!
Alpha Kappa Alpha will expose students to arts enrichment and culture by focusing on visual and performing arts and by showcasing talent through the exploration of writers, entertainers and various other artists.
• Salute to the Harlem Renaissance will celebrate the contributions of African-American artists during the Harlem Renaissance through student research and chapter sponsorship of student talent showcases. This initiative will correlate with HBCUs and African-American culture and will include colleges with art collections.
• Salute to the Black Arts Movement will focus on student research and celebration of African-American artists during the Black Arts Movement. Chapters will champion activities that express the movement message and highlight members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority who served as leaders and participants. Activities will include art events, poetry slams, dancing, painting, and performing arts.
• Salute to the Harlem Renaissance will celebrate the contributions of African-American artists during the Harlem Renaissance through student research and chapter sponsorship of student talent showcases. This initiative will correlate with HBCUs and African-American culture and will include colleges with art collections.
• Salute to the Black Arts Movement will focus on student research and celebration of African-American artists during the Black Arts Movement. Chapters will champion activities that express the movement message and highlight members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority who served as leaders and participants. Activities will include art events, poetry slams, dancing, painting, and performing arts.
Target 5: Global Impact
Alpha Kappa Alpha will engage in programming designed to enhance the international footprint of the sorority
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• National Global Impact Day. Chapters will engage in a community service project that has an international impact and will partner with organizations that make a difference worldwide.
• Global Assistance Activities. Chapters will engage in global partnerships that provide assistance to the underserved in international areas populated with people of color. These partnerships include the following:
Soles 4 Souls. Chapters will collect gently-worn shoes and transport the shoes to specified locations. Soles 4 Souls, a non-profit organization, will process and ship shoes to destinations around the world populated with people of color.
Lions Club International. Chapters will participate in an eyeglass initiative designed to prevent blindness, help restore eyesight, and improve eye health and eye care for millions of people around the world by donating used eyeglasses in partnership with local Lions Clubs.
Pillowcase Project. Chapters will continue to use pillowcases to make dresses for little girls and will expand the sorority’s efforts to include shirts for little boys. The pillowcase dresses and shirts will be sent to Haiti to provide clothing for children in need.
• Refugees in America Assistance Program (RAAP). Chapters will focus on refugees of color in the United States by partnering with organizations engaged in support activities that assist refugees and their families to integrate into American life. This includes literacy classes, educational training, and other necessary transitional support.
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• National Global Impact Day. Chapters will engage in a community service project that has an international impact and will partner with organizations that make a difference worldwide.
• Global Assistance Activities. Chapters will engage in global partnerships that provide assistance to the underserved in international areas populated with people of color. These partnerships include the following:
Soles 4 Souls. Chapters will collect gently-worn shoes and transport the shoes to specified locations. Soles 4 Souls, a non-profit organization, will process and ship shoes to destinations around the world populated with people of color.
Lions Club International. Chapters will participate in an eyeglass initiative designed to prevent blindness, help restore eyesight, and improve eye health and eye care for millions of people around the world by donating used eyeglasses in partnership with local Lions Clubs.
Pillowcase Project. Chapters will continue to use pillowcases to make dresses for little girls and will expand the sorority’s efforts to include shirts for little boys. The pillowcase dresses and shirts will be sent to Haiti to provide clothing for children in need.
• Refugees in America Assistance Program (RAAP). Chapters will focus on refugees of color in the United States by partnering with organizations engaged in support activities that assist refugees and their families to integrate into American life. This includes literacy classes, educational training, and other necessary transitional support.
Community Impact Days
Alpha Kappa Alpha members will implement International Community Service Days annually to highlight the organization’s collective impact in program target areas:
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service (January)
- Pink Goes Red Day (February)
- Global Impact Day (April)
- International Day of Prayer (August)
- National HBCU Day (September)
- Breast Cancer Awareness Day (October)
- Caregivers Day (November)
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.® Xi Theta Omega Chapter partners with the Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education to host the Annual Youth Education Success (YES!) Summit.
This unique, complimentary, teen-focused summit provides valuable educational workshops and resources to over 750 youth and over 250 parents in and around the Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex. YES! Summit will address today’s growing need for life skills, STEM career awareness, and educational preparedness.
The YES! Summit is a conference for students in grades 6-12 that provides them with an opportunity to network with their peers, and attend a variety of workshops on leadership and self-sufficiency for academic and personal success. The Yes Summit will feature a motivational speaker, valuable workshops, and exhibitors. A unique feature of the YES! Summit is to provide education workshops and resources to parents to encourage them to become more involved in their students’ education. Potential workshop topics for the YES! Summit include STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) awareness and education, college preparation, self-development, importance of choices, topics on transition into adulthood, career goals and much, much more!
Attendees can attend this complimentary event and also receive breakfast, lunch, and wonderful and exciting giveaways. The goal of the YES! Summit is for the Arlington and surrounding communities’ youth to inspire and imagine the possibilities.
This unique, complimentary, teen-focused summit provides valuable educational workshops and resources to over 750 youth and over 250 parents in and around the Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex. YES! Summit will address today’s growing need for life skills, STEM career awareness, and educational preparedness.
The YES! Summit is a conference for students in grades 6-12 that provides them with an opportunity to network with their peers, and attend a variety of workshops on leadership and self-sufficiency for academic and personal success. The Yes Summit will feature a motivational speaker, valuable workshops, and exhibitors. A unique feature of the YES! Summit is to provide education workshops and resources to parents to encourage them to become more involved in their students’ education. Potential workshop topics for the YES! Summit include STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) awareness and education, college preparation, self-development, importance of choices, topics on transition into adulthood, career goals and much, much more!
Attendees can attend this complimentary event and also receive breakfast, lunch, and wonderful and exciting giveaways. The goal of the YES! Summit is for the Arlington and surrounding communities’ youth to inspire and imagine the possibilities.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.® Xi Theta Omega Chapter and The Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education are proud to partner with The Arlington ISD Parent and Community Engagement Department to host the 2021 Family Expo Resource Fair.
Traditional Family Expo events have consisted of nearly 400 people attending this free family-centered Expo with sessions geared towards all ages with the purpose of absorbing and discovering new methods in maintaining or improving their overall health and to increase financial accountability. The upcoming event will be our first virtual Family Expo.
The Arlington Family Expo is an extraordinary educational event open to the public and families throughout the metroplex. We hope that can join us virtually and help spread the word about the upcoming Family Expo.
The all-virtual event will include sessions on the following:
Friday, April 16, 2021
Virtual Community Event and Scholarship Presentation
6:30p.m. - 7:30p.m.
Saturday April 17, 2021
Virtual Family Expo Workshops
9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m.
Resource Fair 11:00a.m. - 1:00p.m.
Traditional Family Expo events have consisted of nearly 400 people attending this free family-centered Expo with sessions geared towards all ages with the purpose of absorbing and discovering new methods in maintaining or improving their overall health and to increase financial accountability. The upcoming event will be our first virtual Family Expo.
- Scholarships will be presented to well-deserving students driven to further their educational aspirations.
- Exhibitors from the community will be available to provide educational materials in the areas of health, education, financial planning, and so much more.
The Arlington Family Expo is an extraordinary educational event open to the public and families throughout the metroplex. We hope that can join us virtually and help spread the word about the upcoming Family Expo.
The all-virtual event will include sessions on the following:
- Provide healthcare and wellness information for all family members
- Create a better understanding of financial choices and develop financial skills
- Ignite conversations to reshape and transform families
- Strengthen family and community partnerships
- Home to School Connections
Friday, April 16, 2021
Virtual Community Event and Scholarship Presentation
6:30p.m. - 7:30p.m.
Saturday April 17, 2021
Virtual Family Expo Workshops
9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m.
Resource Fair 11:00a.m. - 1:00p.m.
A.C.O.L.Y.T.E.S. (Arlington Community Of Lovely Young Teens Excelling in Service) is a teen organization for young ladies in the Arlington, Texas area and surrounding communities.
It was founded in May of 1990 for young ladies ages 13 to 18 by the Xi Theta Omega Graduate Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ACOLYTES is the premier fellowship of young ladies committed to working together to serve the citizens of Arlington and make a positive impact on other youth in order to affect change.
The purpose of ACOLYTES is to improve and enrich the social, cultural, economic, and academic status of young ladies. With this purpose, ACOLYTES strive to promote excellence, encourage unity and friendship, and to improve communities through service. ACOLYTES strive to be committed to the needs of others and to do their best in each endeavor they undertake.
Xi Theta Omega members serve as mentors for ACOLYTES by helping them become leaders in their own community service organizations. Once a member of the ACOLYTES becomes a senior in high school, the hope is that she will aspire to become a Debutante.
Membership is open to any eager young ladies in the Arlington/Fort Worth, Texas Area and surrounding communities who are between the ages 13-18 and meet the requirements for membership. We look for young ladies who will participate in the many activities provided as well as community service. For more information, please contact the ACOLYTES Chair.
It was founded in May of 1990 for young ladies ages 13 to 18 by the Xi Theta Omega Graduate Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ACOLYTES is the premier fellowship of young ladies committed to working together to serve the citizens of Arlington and make a positive impact on other youth in order to affect change.
The purpose of ACOLYTES is to improve and enrich the social, cultural, economic, and academic status of young ladies. With this purpose, ACOLYTES strive to promote excellence, encourage unity and friendship, and to improve communities through service. ACOLYTES strive to be committed to the needs of others and to do their best in each endeavor they undertake.
Xi Theta Omega members serve as mentors for ACOLYTES by helping them become leaders in their own community service organizations. Once a member of the ACOLYTES becomes a senior in high school, the hope is that she will aspire to become a Debutante.
Membership is open to any eager young ladies in the Arlington/Fort Worth, Texas Area and surrounding communities who are between the ages 13-18 and meet the requirements for membership. We look for young ladies who will participate in the many activities provided as well as community service. For more information, please contact the ACOLYTES Chair.
The Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education, in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.® Xi Theta Omega Chapter, hosts an annual Scholarship Ball and Debutante Presentation for young ladies in their final year of high school.
The six month program consists of monthly training modules, with presentations and activities focusing on health and wellness, education, etiquette, leadership development, cultural arts, and community service. Through these activities, our organization seeks to motivate and educate program participants to grow academically, professionally and culturally. The program culminates with a black-tie Scholarship Ball and Presentation during the fall of each year where the debutantes are presented to society and recognized for their participation in the program.
Click on the button below to get more information.
The six month program consists of monthly training modules, with presentations and activities focusing on health and wellness, education, etiquette, leadership development, cultural arts, and community service. Through these activities, our organization seeks to motivate and educate program participants to grow academically, professionally and culturally. The program culminates with a black-tie Scholarship Ball and Presentation during the fall of each year where the debutantes are presented to society and recognized for their participation in the program.
Click on the button below to get more information.