2024 CFAAC Annual Report - Flipbook - Page 31
PLANTING SEEDS OF POTENTIAL
Alpha Academy Youth Mentor Program Offers Opportunities
On a crisp November afternoon, a room full of teenage
boys listen—some skeptically, some curiously—as an
etiquette specialist shares tips they’re not sure they’ll
ever need. But Stephen Williams assures them they
will. Stephen, Chairman of Eta Eta Lambda’s Alpha
Academy Mentoring Program, knows that because of
the program, their futures may be brighter, fuller, and
filled with opportunities they never imagined.
In 2024, Eta Eta Lambda received a grant from
CFAAC’s Fund for Anne Arundel (FFAA) to launch
the Alpha Academy Youth Mentor Program at
Annapolis High School. The program pairs 30 young
men with dedicated mentors for bi-weekly sessions,
equipping them with life skills, academic support,
and emotional guidance to navigate challenges, be
successful in life, and become productive members of
their communities.
Originally a Saturday session for elementary through
high-school-aged boys, Alpha Academy successfully
piloted a high school program at Arundel High
School two years ago. With FFAA funding the
initiative expanded to Annapolis, following the same
proven structure.
Through the Alpha Academy students are paired
with their mentors for the duration of high school,
including support outside of school and during the
summer. Once matched, both the mentee and mentor
complete an agreement form and a goal-setting
form shared with the mentee’s parent. The goalsetting form lists at least three key objectives for the
student. Progress is tracked using three key metrics—
academics, school attendance, and behavior—helping
mentors identify areas for improvement. Parent
feedback is also very important, said Stephen.
Every other week, the students gather together to
learn about career opportunities and essential life
skills including financial literacy, college
applications, effective study
habits, time management,
and critical thinking to
help them succeed now
and post-graduation.
The FFAA grant also
allowed Alpha Academy to hire Minds in Motion, a
team of Black male clinicians, to lead two-hour, inschool group therapy sessions, helping at-risk teens
recognize emotional challenges, manage impulsivity,
and develop healthy behaviors.
“Through Minds in Motion, the students are getting
support from somebody that looks like them, making
it easier for them to relate,” said Stephen. “They
are learning that it's okay to talk to somebody, go to
therapy, and lean on their mentors if they feel like
they’re going through something.”
The grant will also fund potential internships with
student stipends and wealth-building strategies to
invest the stipends. Beyond life skills, the program
offers bonding experiences such as fishing, attending
college and career fairs, and completing community
service projects.
After looking at the success of the Arundel High
School program and seeing improvements in grades,
attendance, and behavior, Stephen is optimistic about
the program’s lasting impact and sustainability. He
plans to stay connected with graduates, check on
their progress, and invite them to return as mentors
to ensure the program’s long-term growth. He also
hopes to expand the initiative to all Anne Arundel
County public high schools.
Stephen stresses that the potential to succeed is the
same for the mentees as any other child. “They just
need to know that someone cares about them, and that
we are putting them on the path to success,” he said.
“The reason that I continue to chair this program is to
make a difference in the lives of as many young men of
color as possible, to change their way of thinking, and
to provide resources to underserved neighborhoods,
as well as experiences and opportunities that they
wouldn’t have without the program.”
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