2023 CFAAC Annual Report - Report - Page 19
Empowering Potential: Zeta Gamma Boulé Aims to
Transform Young Lives
Zeta Gamma, the Anne Arundel County and Annapolis
boulé of Sigma Pi Phi, wants to change the life trajectory
of young African American men and women in Anne
Arundel County (AAC). Founded in 2021 as part of the
fraternity, Zeta Gamma’s mission is to create positive
change in the community and to help young African
Americans to become successful through college
education and mentorship. Sigma Pi Phi is recognized
as the first African-American Greek-lettered fraternity
and was founded on May 15, 1904 in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, by six African-American professionals
“of refinement, unquestioned integrity and notable
achievement.” It has more than 5,000 members and
over 135 member boulés (chapters) nationally and
internationally.
members of the boulé, professional men ranging in
age from 40-80 years, spoke to the students about their
respective careers, which included healthcare, law,
business, education, and architecture.
The Zeta Gamma boulé has already implemented one
of its social action objectives, which is to mentor county
African American high school students and help them
prepare for the SAT exams, said Aris T. Allen, Jr., Zeta
Gamma’s Charter President.
This summer, Zeta Gamma is continuing the SAT prep
and mentor program along with a few fun activities
such as a bus trip to New York City to see the Broadway
hit, “The Wiz.” They are planning to offer additional
activities during the 2024-2025 school year.
“We recognized that Anne Arundel County (AAC) is
way below the national average for SAT scores,” said
Aris, who became involved with the Sigma Pi Phi
Fraternity through his dad. “So we focused on helping
students learn techniques and skills to effectively take
the exam. We want to try and raise the statistics for
Anne Arundel County.”
Zeta Gamma also aims to establish a college scholarship
program for African American students. With the
help of a generous donor, Zeta Gamma established
a Foundation and a Donor Advised Fund with the
Community Foundation.
Last summer, 12 students spent four hours every
Saturday morning learning from testing experts. The
instructors focused on test-taking techniques, time
management, and other skills. At the end of each SAT
prep session, Zeta Gamma provided lunch and
“The students had an opportunity to learn about
different professions and to interact with professionals
who they can identify with,” said Aris. “Many of these
students aren’t normally exposed to this. It’s a way to get
them to see what the possibilities might be for them.”
This social action program also provided transportation
to several college fairs where the students met and
talked to college representatives. They learned about the
entrance application process and requirements. Many
of the students received college acceptances.
Aris is optimistic that they can help students who could
otherwise not afford college: “We are looking forward
to a long-term relationship with the Community
Foundation of Anne Arundel County whose programs
and fundraising have been beneficial to various
community initiatives.”
Pictured below: Kurt Schmoke, Aris T. Allen, Jr., and John Dove,
members of Zeta Gamma.
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