Alpha Phi Alpha Inc Gamma Lambda Education Foundation

The Alpha Phi Alpha Inc Gamma Lambda Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting educational opportunities for African American males, particularly in the Metropolitan Detroit area. It operates as a 501(c)(3) public charity and carries the Employer Identification Number (EIN) 38-1549833.

Mission and Purpose

The foundation's mission is focused on increasing the number of African American males who complete post-secondary education. This goal aims to enable these individuals to realize their full potential, share their skills broadly, and motivate others from similar backgrounds to pursue higher education and personal development.

Its core emphasis is on fostering academic excellence among African American males, providing them with scholarships and other resources that support their journey through college and beyond.

History and Legacy

Established in association with the Gamma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the foundation carries forward a long-standing legacy of educational empowerment. The Gamma Lambda Chapter itself was chartered on March 22, 1919, in Detroit, Michigan, by thirteen influential community leaders and is one of the fraternity’s oldest and largest alumni chapters.

Since 1982, the Gamma Lambda Education Foundation has embodied a commitment to uplift African American males academically within the Detroit metropolitan community, continuing the fraternity's broader mission of service and advocacy.

Scholarship Programs

The foundation annually awards scholarships to high school graduates from the Metropolitan Detroit area to encourage and support their pursuit of higher education. These scholarships are awarded to African American males who demonstrate academic achievement and a commitment to their communities.

Eligibility criteria typically include:

• African American male graduating from a Metropolitan Detroit area public or charter high school.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Acceptance to an accredited four-year institution.
• Participation in foundation-sponsored programs and activities.

Scholarships vary in amount and are intended for students beginning college in the academic year following their high school graduation.

Community Engagement

Beyond scholarships, the foundation hosts events such as scholarship luncheons and banquets designed to celebrate academic success and raise funds to support its educational initiatives. These events bring together members of the community, educators, and local leaders to reinforce the foundation’s commitment to education and empowerment.

Affiliation

The Gamma Lambda Education Foundation operates under the auspices of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate historically African American fraternity. The Gamma Lambda Chapter, with its deep roots in Detroit's civic and educational landscape, provides a strong network and support system for the foundation’s efforts.

This foundation continues to play a vital role in supporting African American males in Detroit to overcome barriers to higher education and achieve their full potential, contributing to community upliftment and generational change.

[1] https://www.glef1906.org [2] https://detroitalphas.org/gamma-lambda-education-foundation-2023-scholarships/ [3] https://www.glef1906.org/about-us [4] https://www.gofundme.com/charity/alpha-phi-alpha-inc-gamma-lambda-education-foundation [5] https://detroitalphas.org/chapter/