Alpha Academy

Thanks to @nbcwashington for the recognition of the hard work that the brothers of XAL are doing in the community! Shout to Bro. Dominique Moody!

On June 17, 2023, Brothers of XAL sponsored the last session of the program year for Alpha Academy/Scholars at the epiQ Food Hall, 10am - 1pm. We utilized a segment from Don Lemon’s “Five Things to Think About” which addressed African Americans to highlight some of the key topics discussed throughout the program year. The key topics discussed were Effective Communication; Dress for Success; Finishing School: Go to High School/ College; and Teenage Pregnancy and Prevention. Thanks to Brothers Freddie James, Mike Ward, Tim Weatherspoon, and Orlando Johnson for leading these discussions. We concluded the program event with games which promoted teamwork and good fellowship among the young men. Even though we have a few events in which the young men can participate this summer, we wish the young men a great summer and we look forward to kicking off the 2023 – 2024 Alpha Academy/Scholars Program Year in September 2023.


Finally Congratulations to the Class of 2023. Even though we haven't seen a lot of these young men for a minute, you are still family . Please let me know what your plan is for Fall 2023. We may be able to connect you with current students to ease your transition to college life.

Don Lemon's five things to think about - CNN https://www.cnn.com/videos/bestoftv/2013/07/27/nr-lemon-no-talking-points.cnn

Alpha Academy/Scholars @ Potomac Middle School hosted The Engagement with Law Enforcement workshop led by Master Police Officer Harris at the Garfield Station of the Prince William County Police Department on May 20, 2023. The target audience was Afro-American young men between the ages of 12 - 18 years old. The key topics of the workshop were 1) Understanding Community Policing, 2) Understanding your rights and the rights of law enforcement during encounters, and 3) Identify various options available if you encounter law enforcement misconduct or behavior, and 4) Recognize acts and decisions that may cause unwanted attention from law enforcement. The key takeaway that MPO Harris left with the young men were the 3 Cs- Choice, Company, and Consequences. He stressed to the young men the importance of making intelligent decisions and the importance of evaluating the people with which you surround yourself. Most importantly understanding the consequences of the decisions you make in the midst of the company you keep. Finally, we also want to thank the fourteen young men, five parents, and three Alpha Brothers that attended the event and participated in the discussion, especially families from Alpha Academy @ South County Middle School.

On Friday, April 07, 2023, Alpha Academy/Scholars traveled to The Virginia State University for the annual college tour. Bro. Yousif Omer gave us the executive tour of campus to include sharing the rich history of VSU and visiting the College of Engineering and Technology which included meeting a student who was building an autonomous robot as part of a NASA project. Bro. Omer along with other students shared their motivation to go to college and more specifically why they chose to attend VSU. Bro. Omer, who was a previous Resident Assistant, talked about resident life as we visited the freshmen dormitories. In spite of the rain, the event was a success, and we truly felt the love of VSU as we were greeted by the VSU President, Bro. Makola M. Abdullah AND his Executive Vice President and Provost, Br. Dr. Donald Palm III prior to our departure. Thanks to Bro. Yousif Omer who took his personal time to lead discussions on college life as we walked around their campus. Also thanks to Bro. Abdullah, Bro. Palm and congratulations to the neophytes of Beta Gamma who were scheduled to have their probate show later that evening. There were a total of 11 young men in attendance from our program along with the support of 5 brothers from Xi Alpha Lambda. Finally thanks to Bro. Wes Wright, a VSU Alumni who took the lead in organizing this event.

On January 29, 2023, Alpha Academy/Scholars supported the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc’s MLK Visual Art Contest at Gainesville High School. Two of our young men exemplified themselves by conducting a dramatic glimpse into Dr. King’s life and sharing HisStory . The primary role of the young men was to serve as ushers during the program to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It was also a honor to have Abagail Spanberger, U.S. Representative from Virginia’s 7th Congressional District in the audience and many of the young men had the pleasure to have a conversation with her.

On February 11, 2023, Alpha Academy/Scholars traveled to George Mason University to participate in the George Mason Experience. The Iota Alpha Brothers discussed and answered questions about admissions, student demographics, residency life, challenges for incoming freshmen, academics, other activities college students can participate in on campus, and resources available to ensure college student's success. George Mason Patriots played the Rhode Island University Rams at the basketball game ending with a 75 - 67 WIN. The event was an overall success and I believe that all the young men benefited from the experience. I want to thank the brothers of Iota Alpha Chapter for leading the event along with four XAL brothers, three parents, and the ten young men from both Alpha Academy programs.

Former Alpha Academy Alumni Becomes a Brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Welcome to the House!