Programs.
Scholarship
The Webb-McDonald Scholarship is awarded every year to deserving youth in the Metro-East community. This scholarship provides a stipend to youth entering an institution of higher education upon graduation from an area accredited high school. Over $10,000 in scholarships have been awarded to deserving youth within the Metro-East St. Louis community.
Judge Ora Polk Oratorical Contest
In collaboration with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Delta Epsilon Lambda Chapter of East St. Louis, the Judge Ora Polk Oratorical competition is named in honor of the late judge and was created to continue the legacy of this respected educator, civic/community leader and charter member of Delta Epsilon Lambda. The contest encourages communication growth of students in the metropolitan area in grades 9- 12. Initially open to both male and females in the metropolitan area in grades 9-12, the program took on an all male perspective in 2006. Bro. Polk was an excellent orator and consistently encouraged youth to excel academically and professionally. The program is celebrated during the month of January each year, which is the birth month of Brother Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. To honor his memory local citizens are recognized with the Distinguished Dr. Martin Luther King Service Award for their outstanding contributions to humankind.
Lights of Alpha
Mentoring Program
Lights of Alpha Male Mentoring Program (LOA): Male youth in grades 8 through 12 are sought from the community through various means (school counselors, parents, churches and community residents). The young males meet monthly at the MESLCI facility and are provided group information (i.e., dining etiquette, public speaking finances, personal health, sexual development, manhood, credit card use, college preparation, etc. Also, a personal mentor is assigned to maintain contact with the youth and his parents. The yearly program is culminated with a Beautillion. Additionally, seniors may be awarded renewable yearly scholarships. College bound students are followed through their senior college year.
Beautillion
Describe your image
The Beautillion celebrates the accomplishments of male youth preparing to make the transition from high school. The recipients of these scholarship dollars are highlighted at our annual banquet as part of the fundraising efforts through solicitation for ads and patronage. The winner of the Beautillion is crowned Beau of the Year and receives a percentage of the fundraising proceeds as a scholarship/stipend.
ALPHA PLUS
This program is a mentoring program for young men between the ages of 13-21. The program is designed to provide stable and sound mentors that will engage with these young men to help navigate them through entering into manhood. To provide a positive and encourage role model that are from all walks of life. The purpose of this program is to promote the positive of becoming a successful man in today’s society. It also helps in developing the skill of communication that will help in conflict resolution when face with different problems. The ultimate goal is the better making of men through mentorship. Some of the things that are discuss are goal setting, conflict resolution, time management, dressing for success, financial responsibility and social engagement just to name a few.
Leadership Development Institute
This program provides stimulating and motivating information in the areas of leadership development, citizenship, economic empowerment and education. Some 250 or more students from 12 different Midwestern states including Canada are taken to a college campus for a weekend. There they stay on campus, listen to successful youth presentation, attend sessions concerning medical issues and participate in team competitions.
S.P.A.R.K Academy
STEM Program Acquiring Resources and Knowledge
This is designed to expose underrepresented high school youth to STEM careers and engage them in hands-on STEM activities. Students will get insight into STEM careers through mentorship, class instructions, field trips, and guest speakers.
This Academy is a week-long camp that is held in the summer months. The camp includes students in hands-on science experiment to spark interest and curiosity in the subject. It also includes introduction to different aviation career fields as well as an EV workshop that will expose the students to the fundamental of automotive concepts. The camp also provides CPR training and other life saving techniques as a intro into the nursing and other healthcare fields.
"You learn more from failure than
from success. Don't let it stop you.
Failure builds character."
-Unknown