Arthur Price

The youth of today face societal problems and challenges unlike those of any other time in history. The negative influences posed by social media and those in society who would do harm to them pose a daunting task for modern-day youth advocates. As a result, the procurement of grassroot support becomes a greater challenge each year. Since September 1973, the Hampton-Newport News (VA) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. has maintained a youth mentoring and leadership program that has assisted parents in informing youth of the values of higher education, of assistance available for continued educational pursuits, scholarships, loans, professional counseling, fellowships, etc.; of various occupational and professional opportunities; and of current labor demands and the trends on the labor market. Our Guide Right Youth Leadership Program consistently provided the needed human resources to ensure success. Additionally, the Hampton-Newport News Achievement Foundation has been the benevolent "wind beneath our wings."

As a result, we have been able to maintain our Kappa Youth Leadership and Achievement League; a mentoring program for middle and high school male students, and the Kappa Cardinals Athletic Association.  which effectively uses sports to maintain continuous contact with over 200 area youths throughout each academic year. Through this contact, academic performance is monitored, and tutoring is provided as needed. The Chapter, in partnership with the City of Hampton’s Department of Parks and Recreation, aspires to provide wholesome recreational activity and mentoring for young men and young ladies on the Peninsula. The athletic association effectively serves as a feeder program for the Kappa Youth Leadership and Achievement League, which averages over 50 participants per academic year. It has been my good fortune to have been an integral part of this effort since its inception.

It is because of the continued financial support afforded to the youth of this community by the Hampton-Newport News Achievement Foundation, that I deem it an honor to offer my support to this fundraising initiative. And I encourage all my friends and family to join me in doing the same.