AFRICAN AMERICAN YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

For the past 15 years, The Uplift Foundation has been a significant sponsor of the African American Youth Leadership Conference (AAYLC), in terms of both financial and active participation. The African American Youth Leadership Conference, since its inception on January 16, 1993, continues to be a hallmark forum in addressing many of the challenges facing African American youth during their progression to adulthood. The Conference primary sponsor is the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., who in turn, enlists the expertise and leadership of all who are dedicated to furthering the education and intellectual potential of our youth. The mission of AAYLC is to educate, empower, and enlighten youth to become critical thinkers, responsible citizens and embrace the traditions, histories, and cultures of their communities. The intended participants are students of all ethnicities from 6th – 12th grade. In recent years, Colorado College has also collaborated with the myriad of sponsors and contributors in ensuring the students receive the utmost accommodations (Colorado College campus) and Mentors for the day. The Uplift Foundation through the Omega Men of Xi Pi Chapter provides ‘hands-on’ classroom instructions, workshop presentations, and general administrative and leadership roles as necessary towards ensuring that the annual Conference is a success.