The dedication of “The History of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc: A Development In College Life” by Charles H. Wesley reads, “To the youths who march onward and upward toward the light. This volume is respectfully dedicated.”
And while Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., as the first and leading intercollegiate fraternity founded by African American men, has woven service, scholarship, and the development of courageous leadership for the communities we serve into its very fabric, at its core it has ultimately dedicated itself to the upliftment and development of youth since its founding in 1906.
Over the years, the Fraternity’s General Programs and national initiatives continue to make a real impact in communities across the country and around the world — particularly upon the youth, with Project Alpha, Go-to-High School, Go-to-College, and its Leadership Development Institute (LDI).
Project Alpha: Empowering Young Men with Knowledge and Responsibility
Launched in partnership with the March of Dimes in 1980, Project Alpha is perhaps one of Alpha’s most powerful and personal outreach efforts. Designed for young males between the ages of 12 and 15, the program provides education, motivation, and skill-building on sensitive but vital issues: responsibility, relationships, teen pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases.
Alpha Brothers lead interactive workshops, often using role-play and open discussion, to help teens build self-esteem, make informed decisions, and understand the long-term consequences of their actions. According to local chapters, the goals of Project Alpha are threefold: sharing knowledge to counter ignorance, changing attitudes through honest conversation, and providing skills for real-life situations.
Across the U.S. and the world, many chapters observe “Project Alpha Week,” typically in October, to spotlight these critical issues at once.
Photos courtesy of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Leadership Development Institute Teen Ambassadors participate at an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. regional convention. 
Brother Andre Council of Beta Eta Chapter leads a small group session as part of a Go-To-High School, Go-To-College session at Thornton Township High School in Harvey, IL. Photo courtesy of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Brother General President Lucien J. Metellus, Jr. addresses business session at the Fraternity’s 98th General Convention in Philadelphia. Credit: Photo courtesy of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Go-to-High School, Go-to-College: Education as a Path to Success
One of Alpha’s oldest national programs, Go-to-High School, Go-to-College, was officially adopted as a signature initiative in the early 1920s. The program underscores a simple but powerful message: completing high school and pursuing higher education is one of the strongest predictors of future economic success — especially for young African American men.
Alpha men serve as role models and mentors, providing guidance on college applications, financial aid, and academic readiness. In some regions, chapters also run related mentoring tracks. For example, Rho Zeta Lambda Chapter’s Alpha Quest Mentoring Program targets middle-school boys, helping prepare them early for academic achievement and leadership.
Leadership Development Institute (LDI): Cultivating the Next Generation of Leaders
Alpha’s Leadership Development Institute (LDI) is its flagship youth leadership program — a national, regionally coordinated initiative aimed at high-school students, particularly sophomores through seniors. Since its early days in the Eastern Region in the 1980s, LDI has matured into a core program in all five of Alpha’s geographic regions.
Over an intensive weekend or multi-day format, the Institute brings youth together on historically Black college campuses, where they participate in workshops led by Alpha brothers and civic professionals. The curriculum emphasizes:
- parliamentary procedure and public speaking
- conflict resolution and leadership models
- civic engagement and community service
- understanding social, economic, and cultural issues facing African Americans
- higher-education pathways, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
The objectives are ambitious but clear: to develop a cadre of positive, civic-minded leaders, to spark an appreciation for African American leadership, to encourage participation in democracy, and to link the Institute’s teachings with the fraternity’s broader missions — including those taught in Project Alpha and Go-to-High School, Go-to-College.
Why These Programs Matter
Together, these three pillars of Alpha Phi Alpha’s programming and initiatives reflect a holistic approach to youth development:
- Health & Responsibility (Project Alpha): By addressing sexual health and emotional maturity, Alpha helps young men make informed life choices.
- Educational Advancement (Go-to-High School, Go-to-College): The fraternity removes barriers to academic success through mentorship and guidance.
- Leadership & Civic Engagement (LDI): Alpha invests in the future by equipping young people with leadership skills and community commitment.
These programs underscore Alpha Phi Alpha’s broader mission: “Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.”
*Internet sources and published reports contributed to this article.