Local Chapter Racing To Serve the Community with Education and A Little Relief

Members of the Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (“UAO”) are on the run in March. The chapter’s signature youth enrichment program, ASCEND℠ is moving full steam ahead with a “STEM-ulating” curriculum, and a fourth collaboration with Publix has members looking toward the finish line of none other than the Publix Georgia Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday, March 22.

ASCEND℠ is designed to motivate, engage and assist high school students in reaching their maximum potential, and focuses on Achievement, Self-Awareness, Communication, Engagement, Networking and Developmental Skills. Over 30 students in the chapter’s ASCEND℠ class are benefiting from the opportunity to receive academic enrichment and life skills training to support their journey to college or vocational employment.

A key component of the ASCEND℠ curriculum is the emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (“AKA”) strives to prepare high school males and females for a challenging future and further education at the college level in majors that might include biological sciences, computer science, engineering, environmental research, geosciences, social, behavioral and economic education, cyber infrastructure and more.

UAO President Karan Rhodes said, “As the workforce trends indicators shows, advanced education in the STEM disciplines will be key in the immediate future for the competitive, evolving U.S. workforce. UAO and AKA is committed to ensuring the under-served youth in our communities are mentored and prepared regarding how to best take advantage of available STEM resources so that they can become well-rounded leaders of the future.”

It’s no secret the members of UAO are “ASCEND℠-ing”. However, their service to the community is also taking flight in another direction this March. UAO is proud to once again collaborate with Publix in the effort to be of service to Publix Georgia Marathon participants. Deemed a premier destination, long-distance running event that appeals to elite runners, wheelchair athletes, and everyday runners and walkers, this sisters of UAO will put Publix t-shirts over their beloved signature colors of salmon pink and apple green while they man cheer and relief stations along the route.

Andria S. Daniels, UAO Vice President said, “It is indeed a pleasure to once again participate in the Publix Georgia Marathon. UAO champions promoting health awareness in the community by partnering and collaborating with numerous organizations.”

The first Greek-lettered organization primarily for college-educated African-American women in Gwinnett County, UAO is a powerhouse of volunteerism and has provided mentoring opportunities for students of varying ages since 1994. Chapter members look forward to many, many more years of providing service to Gwinnett County and “ASCEND℠-ing” with students.

For more information, email ascend@upsilonalphaomega.com , log on to www.upsilonalphaomega.com, Friend UAO on Facebook, or Follow UAO on Twitter at #AKAinGWINNETT.