Greetings,

In partnership with the School Board of Sarasota County, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the Alpha Phi Alpha Foundation of Manasota, Inc. supports a life enhancing program for 150 plus teenage male minority students (Hispanic and African American) each year.

Our goals are the following:

• Help to empower youth to begin to set goals for the future.
• Equip the students to identify the critical issues and concerns of culturally diverse male youth in our society.
• Expose the students to a cross section of Black and Hispanic male professionals.

We fullfil this mission through mentoring, scholarships and leadership training.

Mentoring

The Mentoring Program for consists of eight learning sessions during the school year at local high schools. The sessions involve approximately 40 students. Three of the sessions will be given by guest keynote speakers, and the remaining five will be Topical Presentations. The training will be conducted one day per month from October to May at each School.

Past experience reflects that these presentations help youth develop the skills needed to continue on a career path. They also boost academic performance indirectly by improving students’ attitudes about school, giving them incentives to attend regularly, etc.

Scholarships

Each year scholarshups are awarded to local high school students. Our scholarship recipients are attending colleges and university through the land and preparing for a variety of careers including aerospace engineering, business, acting, graphic design and education.

Leadership

Each year selected students are invited to a two-day Leadership Training/Mentoring Program Retreat at DaySprings Conference Center in Ellenton, Florida. The Retreat and Training sessions serve to encourage student retention, improve academic performance, promote positive social behavior, and motivate individual achievement.

The event will bring together five students selected by an administrator from each school. The students will be given overnight intensive leadership training. The Objectives of the retreat are:

• Expose students to Successful Role Models who are Business Executives, Educators, Clergy and other professionals.
• Help participants share the values of a leader.
• Equip participants with leadership skills.

Our Commitment

We are commited to creating a positive and meaningful vission for these young men.

We Need Your Help! If you are able to support our efforts, please call me: (941) 358-3162

Sincerely,

Herman Bell
President, Alpha Phi Alpha Foundation of Manasota