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Recap: Project Alpha 2025: Empowering Young Men Through Honest Conversation and Brotherhood
- Nov 18
- 3 min read
The Cincinnati Alphas proudly continued their commitment to mentorship, education, and empowerment with Project Alpha 2025, held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at North College Hill High School. As a national program of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., created in partnership with the March of Dimes, Project Alpha equips young men with the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate adolescence and prepare for adulthood.
This year’s theme, “Saying What Needs to Be Said”, created a supportive environment for open dialogue around topics that are often overlooked but essential to the development of young men.
"We chose to speak with our young men plainly and truthfully, because anything less leaves them unprepared for the realities they face", says Brother Alex Harper. "This year, we committed to giving them the honesty they deserve—delivered with care, guidance, and accountability."
Brothers arrived early for setup, preparing the space and welcoming participants with small breakfast items. The morning set the tone for a day filled with engagement, learning, and mentorship. The opening session focused on respect and responsibility in relationships, guiding participants through real-life scenarios and the long-term impact of their decisions. Brothers of the fraternity helped support discussions and created an atmosphere where young men felt comfortable asking honest questions.
Our Breakout Sessions
The first breakout session – Media, Culture & Relationship Respect – led by collegiate brothers, explored how media and cultural influences affect how young men understand relationships, boundaries, and communication. Participants shared personal experiences and examined how to build healthy, respectful connections. The second breakout session, Intimate Partner Violence & the Law, took a deeper look at intimate partner violence and the legal implications of unhealthy or unsafe behaviors. The session equipped participants with practical knowledge about the law and their rights as teenagers.
A catered lunch allowed participants and mentors to continue conversations sparked during the morning sessions. The informal fellowship helped build trust, brotherhood, and a sense of community.
After lunch, we conducted the final session – STI Prevention & Protecting Yourself – which addressed sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the importance of protecting oneself and one’s partner. Participants received educational materials, giveaways, and resources from partnering health professionals.
Seeing the Impact
Project Alpha 2025 saw strong engagement from both youth and fraternity members:
Over 60 youth registered, with additional walk-up participants
35 young men participated throughout the day
20 Alpha brothers provided support with registration, wayfinding, facilitation, setup, and mentorship
Community partnerships and donations contributed to the event’s success
“We set out to empower our young men to lead with responsibility, integrity, and respect in every choice they make", says Brother Rhayshaun Isreal. "Alpha men understand that our mission calls us to develop future leaders and to serve our community with purpose, especially our young brothers who need guidance most.”
The dedication and presence of the fraternity, along with collegiate brothers and community partners, helped create a powerful, informative, and meaningful experience for all in attendance.
Continuing the Mission
Project Alpha remains a cornerstone initiative within the fraternity’s mission to develop leaders out of young men through education, leadership, and empowerment. The success of this year’s program reflects the unwavering commitment of the Cincinnati Alphas and the continued support of the Greater Cincinnati community.
Together, we remain dedicated to “saying what needs to be said” and preparing young men to make informed, responsible decisions that shape their futures.
See images from Project Alpha 2025 here. (Photo credits: Brian Swann and Will Jones)
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