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Alpha Merit Badge University - Fall '24
Presented By Alpha Merit Badge University
Saturday, October 5th at 8:00am EST
Online sale ends: 10/05/24 at 6:15pm EST
Morehouse College
830 Westview Dr. SW
Atlanta, GA 30314
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Description
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. - ETA LAMBDA CHAPTER HOSTS 2ND ANNUAL ALPHA MERIT BADGE UNIVERSITY TO SUPPORT SCOUTS FROM UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES Event Date: October 5th, 2024 Location: Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA Atlanta, GA – September 2024 – Following the resounding success of the inaugural Alpha Merit Badge University in 2023, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. – Eta Lambda Chapter is excited to announce its 2nd Annual Alpha Merit Badge University, to be held on October 5th, 2024, at the prestigious Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. This one-day event is designed to empower and educate Scouts from underserved communities by offering numerous merit badge classes that promote leadership, scholarship, and service. The Alpha Merit Badge University program was founded on the belief that all Scouts, regardless of their socioeconomic background, should have the opportunity to pursue their goal of becoming Eagle Scouts. The event provides a unique platform for Scouts to complete merit badge requirements, many of which would typically be unavailable due to location, cost, or access to resources. Last year, we welcomed 150 Scouts, and this year will serve 300 Scouts from across Metro Atlanta and the state of Georgia. "Our mission is to empower young leaders and provide them with the tools they need to succeed—not only in Scouting but also in life. We want to ensure that Scouts from underserved communities have the same advancement opportunities as their more affluent peers." Merit Badge Opportunities and Professional Support The merit badge classes offered at Alpha Merit Badge University include a wide range of disciplines, such as Citizenship in the World, Engineering, Nuclear Science, Robotics, Law, Digital Technology, Entrepreneurship, Communications, Public Speaking, First Aid, and Theater, among others. These badges promote personal growth and development while inspiring Scouts to explore careers in various fields. The event is staffed by professional men, many of whom are distinguished members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and work in fields related to the merit badges they teach. These men of color serve as role models and mentors, showing Scouts the possibilities that lie ahead of them through hard work and dedication. Additionally, college brothers majoring in similar fields assist the professional counselors, providing further support and guidance. "Scouts don't often get the opportunity to see 100+ professional men of color, all focused on helping them excel," said Dr. Derek Smith, Alpha Merit Badge University Chair. "This exposure alone can change lives by expanding the vision of what these young people believe is possible." Real Talk Forum Panel Alpha Merit Badge University will again host a Real Talk Forum Panel. This forum is designed to facilitate an open and informative discussion about the journey of becoming an Eagle Scout and the associated benefits, with a particular focus on Eagle Scouts from underserved areas in our community. The forum aims to provide aspiring Scouts with valuable insights, guidance, and firsthand experiences shared by current and accomplished male and female Eagle Scouts. The Real Talk Forum creates a supportive environment for dialogue and mentorship, where Scouts can ask questions, seek advice, and gain inspiration from those who have successfully completed their Eagle Scout journey from high school age and college age through seasoned professions. By fostering a culture of support and encouragement, the forum will motivate and guide aspiring Scouts toward achieving their goals, while highlighting the life-lasting benefits and positive impact of attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Building Future Leaders The Eagle Scout rank carries with it numerous advantages, including college scholarships, advanced placement in the military, and a strong foundation for personal leadership and development. However, only about 5-6% of Scouts nationwide achieve the rank, and the number is even lower for minority and low-income Scouts. The Alpha Merit Badge University initiative seeks to change that by leveling the playing field and offering targeted support to those who need it most. Feedback and Community Impact The feedback from last year's event was overwhelmingly positive. Participants shared comments such as:
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is committed to the development of young people through its national programs, including “Go To High School, Go To College” and “Project Alpha.” The Eta Lambda Chapter's dedication to youth development is evident in its ongoing efforts to serve Atlanta’s youth at all stages of their journey. Join Us in Making a Difference With the support of community partners, volunteers, and sponsors, the Alpha Merit Badge University will continue to expand its impact and create lasting change in the lives of Scouts across Atlanta and beyond. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, and your support can help provide the resources necessary to make this event a life-changing experience for even more young people. To register, please go to www.atlantabsa.org/sw. For more information about the Alpha Merit Badge University, sponsorship opportunities, or to register, please contact alphameritbadgeuniversity@gmail.com. About Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. – Eta Lambda Chapter Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., founded in 1906 at Cornell University, is the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men. The fraternity has a long history of social action, leadership, and community service. The Eta Lambda Chapter, based in Atlanta since 1920, is one of the largest and most active alumni chapters, dedicated to serving the community through various outreach programs, particularly focusing on youth development and education. 
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