Programs
2018-2022 International Program Overview
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® is dedicated to implementing programs of service that enhance the social, economic, and educational well-being of the local, national and international communities. Programs remain the heart of AKA. The size and scope of services provided to our communities have grown and significantly improve the quality of life for all who reside within our service areas.
The program theme for 2018-2022 is Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service. The International Program includes five program targets that are designed to advance the mission of Alpha Kappa Alpha with excellence and underscore our commitment to sustainable service.
The five program targets for 2018-2022 are:
Target 1: HBCU for Life: A Call to Action
Target 2: Women’s Healthcare and Wellness
Target 3: Building Your Economic Legacy
Target 4: The Arts
Target 5: Global Impact
The Signature Program is #CAPSM which is the abbreviation for College Admissions Process. It is designed to assist students in their efforts to enter college by providing a hands-on approach that includes all the steps from researching various colleges to actually completing the application process.
In addition to the program targets, the Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service administration is pleased to continue Community Impact Days. Chapters will engage in simultaneous activities that will benefit the community and continue our commitment to lifelong service.
A significant feature of this programmatic thrust is the launch of AKA UniversitySM! This exciting new platform will serve as the umbrella under which education, training, and leadership development will emerge so that members can enhance their personal development and provide more impactful service to the community.
Target I: HBCU For Life
Members will engage in the sorority’s signature youth enrichment program, ASCEND℠ with efforts designed to motivate, engage and assist high school students in reaching their maximum potential. ASCEND℠ will focus on Achievement, Self-Awareness, Communication, Engagement, Networking and Developmental Skills. Students in the ASCEND℠ Program will have an opportunity to receive academic enrichment and life skills training to support their journey to college or vocational employment.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will promote the learning process by providing substantial support to students through AKA One Million Backpacks℠. Members will donate and distribute one million backpacks and related school supplies to students over the four year period.
Support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) will be a priority as Alpha Kappa Alpha launches a national campaign, Think HBCU℠ to highlight HBCUs and their contribution to the sorority and society. Through education, engagement and advocacy, HBCUs will be showcased as critical venue for moving students to and through college.
Target II: Health Promotion
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will promote health awareness in three areas: Alzheimer's Disease, Stroke and Mental Illness.
The Alzheimer's Disease and Caregiver Support Program will generate awareness and support for Alzheimer's programming and research. Alzheimer's disease is one of the fastest growing health challenges among African Americans
.
Stroke and Heart Disease Awareness will remain a focus area as Alpha Kappa Alpha launches a major stroke prevention awareness campaign with emphasis on hypertension management, diet and exercise.
Mental Health will be highlighted as members bring attention to the mental illness among diverse populations with low utilization of mental health services.
Target III:
Family Strengthening
Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Family Strengthening Programs will target critical issues facing many families, including lack of food, shelter and financial means.
Community based Childhood Hunger Initiatives will be launched in partnership with local agencies, food banks and community pantries.
The Family Seasonal Wraps℠ Program will be offered as the sorority sponsors a major initiative to collect and donate hats, gloves, socks, scarves, coats, sweaters and other seasonal wraps for families in need.
Fiscal Responsibility Programs will be initiated as members work with partner organizations and families to help increase their understanding of budgeting, basic financial planning and benefits of home ownership.
Target IV:
Environmental Ownership
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will implement high impact programs to provide healthy environments and improve the quality of life in the underserved communities.
The AKA 1908 Playground Project℠ will be launched to ensure children have safe and inviting places to play. Sorority members will restore and renew 1,908 existing community and school playgrounds with its Restore, Refresh and Renew Project℠.
Through its Acts of Green Program℠ members will promote environmental sustainability by encouraging recycling, litter prevention and waste management through daily green efforts in local communities.
Target V: Global Impact
Sorority members will implement the UNA-USA Global Classrooms Project to prepare today's youth for an increasingly global and complex society. Alpha Kappa Alpha members will work in partnership with the UNA-USA (United Nations Association) to expand understanding of the UN, its mission and focus. A biennial Intergenerational Model U.N. Conference will be convened.
Through its renewed Africare partnership, Alpha Kappa Alpha Chapters will implement youth hunger initiatives on the continent of Africa.