GGL holds Annual MLK Youth Program & College Fair

Post date: Feb 12, 2011 1:30:36 PM

Greenville, South Carolina - Gamma Gamma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. held its 32nd annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Program & College Fair at Furman's University Center on Saturday, February 5, 2011. This program is a part of the Chapter’s effort to support Alpha Phi Alpha, “Go to High School, Go to College” National Program, and GGL Chapter is holding the program with Furman University continuing its four-year partnership with the local Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration.

Previous events included a Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Gala, an Outreach Program and Step-show at Freetown Community Center, and Oratorical Contest held at Furman University during the MLK Events held from January 14 to February 19, 2011. The Youth Program and Fair acted as a culminating event for the MLK celebration and more than 250 people attended the program and fair.

The College Fair started at 9 AM and featured more than a dozen college representatives from the regional area such as The Citadel, Clemson University, Furman University, Converse College, Voorhees College, Erskine College, and South Carolina State University. The Youth program began at 10 AM and featured MLK Youth Award winners from the fourteen (14) high schools in Greenville County. Each of the local High School students were awarded 203 awards in five categories: Academics, Art, Athletics, Leadership, & Music.

“This is our way to involve the local community to encourage the best and brightest to stay in school and consider College in their future.” said Bobby Clark, Youth Program Chair. The chapter has been able to grow the event to be a cherish one in the community. Along with Furman University, the chapter collaborated with the local School District’s Guidance Offices to organize and collect submissions from local high schools.

In addition to the awards, seminars were held on “Financial Aid 101” & “The Road Map to Getting in, Staying in and Graduating College” during the program for students and parents. College students from Furman and Clemson, including College brothers from Pi Alpha (Clemson University) participated in the College Life seminar.