Nationally Mandated Programs
ACHIEVEMENT WEEK - Originally designed to promote the study of
Negro life and history. Today, Achievement Week is used to seek out and give
due recognition to those individuals at the local and national level who have
made a noteworthy contribution toward improving the quality of life for black
Americans (see also National High School Essay Contest).
SCHOLARSHIP - The Scholarship Program is intended to promote
academic excellence among the undergraduate members. Graduate chapters are
expected to provide financial assistance to student members and non-members. A
portion of the fraternity's national budget is allocated to the Scholarship
Fund now called the Charles R. Drew Memorial Scholarship Fund.
NATIONAL SOCIAL ACTION PROGRAM - A national committee
coordinates the multifaceted program of the various chapters. Mostchapters are
involved in voter registration, "getting-out-the-vote'," support of the
NAACP, the National Urban League and hundreds of other programs.
TALENT HUNT PROGRAM - Originated in the Sixth District (North
Carolina and South Carolina) and made its debut at the 1953 Cincinnati Grand
Conclave. This program provides exposure, encouragement and financial
assistance to talented young people. Currently, some participants at the
national level are awarded college scholarships.
MEMORIAL SERVICE - March 12 of each year has been established as
Memorial Day. Chapters are expected to conduct an appropriate service to
recall the memory of those members who have entered Omega Chapter.
RECLAMATION-Concerted effort at the national, district, and
local levels to return inactive brothers to full participatory status.
NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ESSAY CONTEST - This is a phase of the
National Achievement Week observance held in November of each year. The
contest is open to all college-bound high school seniors. College scholarships
are awarded to the winners, each of whom must submit an essay on a theme/topic
which is chosen annually by the fraternity.
ASSAULT ON ILLITERACY PROGRAM (AOIP) - AOIP had its conceptual
roots established in January of 1980, when a group of publishers associated
with Black Media, Inc. (BMI) was made aware that approximately 44% of black
Americans could neither read nor comprehend beyond the 4th grade. Omega Psi
Phi and numerous other national organizations joined together to attack and
ultimately reduce and eradicate illiteracy among blacks through reading
tutorial programs.
SOUTH AFRICA PROJECT - Although apartheid has officially ended
in the nation of South Africa, many black South Africans still suffer from a
shortage of adequate resources and necessities. The most critical shortages
are in the areas of health care and education. This humanitarian project is
designed to provide assistance in these areas, particularly in the black
townships.
SENIOR CITIZENS PROJECT - A program designed to provide services
to senior citizens. Each Omega Chapter adopts a senior citizen home and
implements various programs to enhance the lives of the residents.
Additionally, each chapter brother serves as a "foster grandson" to one or
more residents.
THE PERPETUATION OF THE BLACK MALE PROJECT - A summer
educational and cultural enrichment program for black males (ages 15-18), in
conjunction with Wilburforce and Central State Universities.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PROJECT - A program to assist in providing
housing for disadvantaged persons.
OMEGA ENDOWED CHAIRS - A program to endow chairs at the 41
United Negro College Fund institutions.
DR. CHARLES R. DREW MEMORIAL BLOOD DRIVE - Established at the
2000 Conclave, each chapter must hold an annual blood drive in June of each
year.