Gamma Gamma Lambda Chapter
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC.,
P. O. Box 5244
Greenville, South Carolina 29607

Contact: Rodney Dinkins, Assist Editor to the Sphinx or
Furman Jackson, Chapter President
article submitted by Bobby Clark and contributed by Shawn Wilder
Telephone: (864) 441-9067
Email: LDCEI@gglapa.org

Greenville's LDCEI Students enjoy a Museum trip during the Institute (picture by Shawn Wilder)

Greensboro, North Carolina - As a part of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity's larger effort to give deserving high school students Leadership Development and Education Training, Alpha Phi Alpha Greenville Foundation and with along with the local chapter Gamma Gamma Lambda Chapter sponsored five local high school students to attend the annual Leadership Development Citizenship Education Institute (LDCEI). The Upstate Students joined 146 other students and 28 Chaperones from across the South to participate in the five day Institute held at North Carolina A&T University from June 12th thru June 16th. Eighteen students were from South Carolina, including three Chaperones.

Coordinated by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity's Kappa Lambda Chapter, North Carolina A&T University has hosted the Institute for several years, and serves as an ideal location to nourish the skills for the young students attending the Institute. Kelon Barnes of Greenville Senior High School enjoyed the chance to travel to the school. "It was a great experience to learn more about leadership and become a better leader. I enjoyed it so much that I wanted more and more activities to participate in."

The Leadership Development and Citizenship Institute aims to develop a 21st Century generation of leaders. This mission starts with young people, particularly those who demonstrate the potential to comprehend and apply the fundamental principles needed by leaders as well as whom, by virtue of their age and education, are often looked upon as role models. Thus, the Institute seeks to equip high school students, primarily sophomores to seniors, with vital leadership skills. This Institute is sponsored by the Southern Region of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and is one of five institutes across the country held annually.

"The eyes of the participants reflected the hunger of the soul.", says Bro. Teiji Kimball, Session Facilitator. "They were sponges soaking up every word and competing to participate. They reached out for affirmation and validation as well as correction and guidance. All different levels of verbal and non-verbal skills, confidence and self-images were the topics for my session discussion." Justin McAdams of Greer High School enjoyed the college atmosphere. "Seminars were every informative and helpful. I will be applying the skills I've learned at the LDCEI to my everyday living. I would love to attend next year if I can."

The curriculum for the LDCEI around the central goals of the program. Thus, three components grounded the curriculum design: (1) Leadership, (2) Citizenship, and (3) Higher Education. In addition to the workshops on Leadership skills, the Institute had oratorial, poetry, and talent competitions as well as others scholarship activities. Patience Kearse of Eastside High School, "loved the museum and workshops. They were both informative and interesting."

The Institute has been in existence since 1983 where it started at Benedict College in South Carolina under the leadership of Dr. Henry Ponder, former President of the University and later a General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Bro. Bobby Clark, a current GGL member and Alpha Phi Alpha Greenville Foundation Board Member, was one of the first participants of the institute in 1983 and remembers them very fondly. "I was one of several other Orangeburg students that attended that year. The experience instilled some of the same skill sets I use daily today, and so I know first hand why this is such a great opportunity for students." More information about the Institute is available on their website, http://www.alphasouthldcei.org.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is the nation’s first Greek-letter fraternity established by African-American college students. It was founded on December 4, 1906 on the campus of Cornell University. There are more than 750 chapters worldwide with over 100,000 members. Gamma Gamma Lambda Chapter is a local chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha in Greenville.

Alpha Phi Alpha Foundation (www.alphagreenville.org) was established in 2012 as a public 501(c)3 non-profit, tax-exempted organization, our mission is to aid the poor and disadvantage and help them toward a life of self-sufficiency. Our programs address teenage pregnancy prevention, college preparation & awareness, educational scholarships, youth leadership development and other similar programs. We serve the Upstate area of South Carolina, and are affiliated with the Gamma Gamma Lambda Chapter of ΑΦΑ in Greenville, South Carolina