From it's humble beginning in 1920, to the change of focus in the 30's, to it's resurgence in the 80's, to the renewed emphasis of the 90's, the Alpha Phi Alpha, "Go to High School, Go to College" program, has been a huge success. The campaign which began, when statistics showed that 90% of Black youth during the 20's, dropped out of school after the 8th grade, encouraged youth to stay in school and go on to college. The project was so successful that in 1936, due to overcrowding at Black College’s and universities, the focus changed to Educating Blacks on their rights and how to be good citizens. During the 80's, when statistics showed that there was more African-American males in the justice system, then in college, the project resurfaced under the "Go to High School, Go to College" theme, with the emphasis placed on getting Black males to stay in school, and instilling in them a desire to be dedicated, productive and hardworking, with clear goals in mind. The 90's, has brought about a new emphasis and a new focus, due to the computer age and a new millennium. It is imperative that we encourage our young men and young women, that going to High School and/or College will not be enough, only by being Computer Literate, will they be able to keep pace with in this changing World.

The Go to High School, Go to College program, concentrates on demonstrating the importance of completing secondary and collegiate education as a road to advancement. Statistics prove the value of this extra impetus in making the difference in the success of young African-American men, given that school failure plays the most significant role in the downward spiral of the African-American community. While inadequate parental support, culturally biased curricula and materials, inadequately prepared teachers, poor facilities, inequitable disciplinary systems, and low expectation of achievement contribute to the lack of academic, success, the results become apparent throughout the spectrum of African-American life, and indirectly lead to the following:

1. Poor Health Care:

2. High Mortality rates:

3. Frequent placement in social relief and Institutional Programs:

4. High Dropout rates:

5. Longer periods of Employment:

6. Greater dependence on Drugs and Alcohol:

7. Higher percentage of Fatherless homes:

8. A Higher percentage of African-American youth in the criminal justice.

Through the Go to High School, Go to College educational initiative, young men receive assistance in developing a sense of self-worth and esteem. The men of Alpha Phi Alpha give them excellent Role Models to emulate. It is our goal to inspire every male and female, to reach for the sky, set goals that can be accomplished, and do everything within their power to accomplish those goals, as well as earn a high school diploma and a college degree.

COMPUTER LITERACY

To be a success in the 21st century, it is imperative that the youth of today, become computer literate. They must be able to navigate the Information Super Highway, click/push the button, surf the net and send/receive E-mail Technology has opened up a brave new world; we can visit foreign countries from our living room, shop from our dinner table and work in our pajamas. Yet, without the required skills, our youth will not be able to take advantage of the marvels that this bold, New World has to offer. It also means that they will not be able to keep pace with or compete in the job market. It would also make it difficult for them to claim their place as tomorrow's leaders, businessmen and women, or corporate executives. It is important that our youth under stand, that a new millennium is fast approaching, and being COMPUTER LITERATE will not only be a REQUIREMENT, it will be a NECESSITY.