Project ENRICH Program for Students Kicks Off Today: Chapter Promotes Scholarship

Every year about this time, the leaves turn from green to brown and begin falling from the trees to the ground below. The scorching hot days of summer give way to the chill of stiff, fall winds and "sweater weather." And you can always count on Gamma Pi chapter ringing in a secondary, albeit important, part of the Prince George's County school year with its Project ENRICH college preparatory program for 9th through 12th graders. The 2009-10 version of Project ENRICH kicked off this morning with the Opening Convocation held at the Center for Learning Technology at Bowie State University.

In a printed open letter to participants and their families, longtime coordinator Brother Roland Byrd set the tone for the occasion: "It is never too early to think about college, about the benefits of a college education, and about ways to put college within reach academically and financially. Throughout the high school years students make decisions that affect whether they will be eligible to enter college ... Today marks the beginning. Welcome!"

About 80 Prince George's County students have signed up to participate this school year. Project ENRICH is a four-year preparatory program (students must begin in grade 9 and complete the program through high school) originated and operated by Gamma Pi chapter for high school students that meets monthly on Saturdays at Bowie State. The students are required to attend sessions on such topics as time management, career planning, study skills and the college selection and application process from a variety of educators, many from within the chapter. Students also take a field trip to visit regional Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

One of the most anticipated parts of the Opening Convocation each year is when Gamma Pi members line up and take to the stage to individually address the gathered students and their families with their own stories of how they achieved through education. Through sharing their individual stories about education and career, Gamma Pi chapter members motivate the students to set lofty goals and chapter members serve as role models for them in their pursuits of productive lives. Take time to view other Project ENRICH postings on this blog.