Gamma Pi Welcomes The Start of Fall and A Revamped Project ENRICH in 2024-25 Opening Program

Director Bro. Dr. George Montgomery and students

For nearly four decades, Gamma Pi Chapter's Project ENRICH college preparatory program has shined a well-lit pathway to college for so many students in Prince George's County and the surrounding communities. A total of 912 students have successfully navigated the four-year program and more than $1.5 million has been awarded in scholarships. This powerful legacy weighed heavily yesterday as Project ENRICH opened for the 2024-25 academic year on Saturday. It was the first time Project ENRICH has started the year in person since the pandemic struck in 2020.

A crowd of about 80 parents and students joined nearly 30 members of Gamma Pi Chapter for the opening ceremony held at the program's new meeting venue on the sprawling campus of the National Wildlife Visitor Center hidden away in Laurel, MD. As of October 12, a total of 74 students - a 512% increase from last year-- had registered. Registration remains open throughout the year.

"I want you guys to know  that here at Project ENRICH, it is all about excellence. We don't want just good enough," said Bro. Dr. George Montgomery, who assumes the reins as director this year. "I don't want lukewarm. I want enthusiasm. This is what I want from you and this is what you should demand from me. Are you ready to run?"

Students ask about careers  

Bro. James Riley, Jr. has run the program the past three years, all during the time that the pandemic persisted and when Project ENRICH was only able to meet virtually. Bro Riley kept the program going during this challenging time. Bro Dr. Montgomery served alongside him for the past two years preparing for the upcoming transition.

Gamma Pi Basileus Eric Fields also welcomed the students and parents. "It's a pleasure to see this many faces here this morning. The step that you are all taking today is a very important step. It's going to outline what you are going to do in your life and where."

Among those in attendance was the esteemed founder of Project ENRICH, Bro. Roland Byrd, a retired college educator who started the program back in the 1980s. Bro. Byrd has been a mentor to all four directors who followed him: Bros. Riley, Pete Ford and Willie Hines, who served as chairman for 10 years when the program was thriving at Bowie State University.

The highlight of the opening session was a spirited and uplifting presentation by Paula Dofat, founder of the HBCU Money Guide and a college funding strategist. She cut her teeth in this arena by arranging HBCU college educations as the mother of four sons. She amazed and dazzled the audience yesterday with breathtaking explanations for how students can get at least some of their college for free or at greatly reduced costs. She also educated students and parents about why so many college applicants are trying to get to Maryland HBCUs for college. Not only are the schools must less expensive, but their fast-rising STEM academic programs and facilities, along with formal partnerships with outside major universities are making them more and more attractive to college applicants.

Getting pinned

At the conclusion of Dofat's keynote presentation, students held an informal advisory session about STEM careers with Gamma Pi members who work in those fields. Brothers in the chapter cover so many STEM fields ranging from engineering to medicine. In the conversations, students were able to inquire about educational requirements, how to get internships, salary levels for various professions and suggested paths of study. She also got surprised looks when she explained the practice of scholarship displacement, where schools deduct the amount of any outside scholarship funds a student earns from what the school is offering. In other words, the value of outside scholarship funds is wiped out. The practice is illegal in Maryland, Washington, California, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Another highlight and first for Project ENRICH was the pinning ceremony. During the program, students were awarded lapel pins signifying that they are officially in Project ENRICH.

The four former directors and current director of Project ENRICH will tape an episode of "Community UPLIFT," a local public affairs TV show of the Gamma Pi Chapter, later this month. The program will look back at the illustrious history of Project ENRICH and promote this year's edition.  More details to follow in this space.

PHOTOS by Bro. George DuBose