By Torrie Walker
Her Campus, Howard University
RALEIGH, NC — The Raleigh Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Ruth and Evelyn Hope Trust, a recognition of the chapter's ongoing commitment to youth development, leadership training and community service.
The Ruth and Evelyn Hope Trust recognizes organizations that demonstrate excellence in community service, particularly programs that support and empower young people. For the Raleigh Alumni Chapter, the award affirms decades of work helping local students develop into future leaders.
"The Raleigh Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity has always been grounded in helping young students develop into leaders," said William Powell, Polemarch of the Raleigh Alumni Chapter. "As we say, we train for leadership."
A significant portion of the chapter's outreach is conducted through its Kappa League program, which mentors high school-aged young men through leadership development, academic support and personal growth opportunities. Students apply to participate in the program and are selected through a structured process.
Grant funding will help expand programming focused on leadership training, college preparation, community service and professional development. Powell said the funds will support activities such as college tours, educational workshops, scholarship opportunities and community service projects.
The chapter also offers workshops on topics such as financial literacy, helping participants build skills that prepare them for adulthood and future careers.
"We try to have core uses of funds like providing college tours, workshop training, community service projects, scholarships, and special events and competitions for the young folk," Powell said.
Beyond Kappa League, the chapter remains active throughout the Raleigh community. Members and Kappa League participants assist with the chapter's annual Black Santa event, which provides toys and support for children and families during the holiday season.
The organization also hosts Operation Fresh Start, a back-to-school initiative that helps students prepare for the academic year by providing services such as meals, haircuts and physicals while supporting teachers and school staff.
"The overall goal of all of these is to improve the school climate, as well as showing that the community supports them," Powell said.
Looking ahead, chapter leaders say the new funding will strengthen their ability to invest in the next generation and continue expanding opportunities for young people throughout the Raleigh area.
Powell expressed gratitude to community supporters and partners who have helped sustain the chapter's mission.
"We certainly appreciate all of the love and care that the community has for our young folks, in which they are our leaders of tomorrow," Powell said. "They need everything that we can do for them to make sure that they're on the path of achievement. As our motto says, 'Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor.'"
