FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 19, 2022
CONTACT: Racine Tucker-Hamilton, PR Chairman, 301.922.8417 or racinehamilton@gmail.com
Prince George’s County, Md.—Psi Epsilon Omega Chapter (PEO) of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® (AKA) is launching its Youth Leadership Institute (YLI), the signature program of service under the sorority's "Empower Our Families" initiative.
“We are very excited about YLI as it will allow us to train young community leaders,” said Benita A. Swindell, PEO president. “The participants will give their time and talent to improve their community and the world by working on a youth-led community service project that focuses on social change.”
Karletta Young has a 10-year-old son and Everton Dennis has 10-year-old twins participating in YLI.
“I thought it would be a good opportunity for my son to socialize, learn new things, and build his confidence,” said Karletta.
“It’s important to be an example to other kids and our Black community,” said Everton.
Participants in the program will select activities in three modules: Believing in Yourself, Discovering Countries and their Cultures, and Using the Power of Purpose to Drive Success (a community service project or presentation). Each YLI module has themes, and this cohort will focus on the theme "Being the Change We Want to See”.
YLI is a youth-led interactive leadership development program for children ages 11 - 13 years old. Participants will learn how to create agendas, run meetings, plan and execute activities, and make oral presentations. Students are excited about making new friends and becoming leaders.
“This program will help shape and build kids for middle and high school. With these sessions I’m going to be able to see myself as a leader,” said 11-year-old Cameron Coleman.
“I’m looking forward to making new friends, doing fun activities, and working together as a team,” said 11-year-old Denver Carter.
The first YLI cohort met on Dec. 17, 2022, and subsequent sessions will be on the first Saturday of January-June 2023 for two hours, in the Laurel, Bowie, and Greenbelt service areas.
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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated®, Psi Epsilon Omega Chapter was chartered in 2007. Since its founding, the chapter has implemented its service programs in Laurel, Bowie, and Greenbelt, Maryland.