MANDATED PROGRAMS

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 levels who have made a noteworthy contribution toward improving the quality of life for black Americans (see also National High School Essay Contest).

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 scholarships through the Charles R, Drew Memorial Scholarship Commission.

A national committee coordinates the multifaceted program of the various chapters. Chapters participate in activities that will uplift their communities. Some of the activities include: voter registration, Assault on Illiteracy; Habitat for Humanity; mentoring; and participation in fundraisers for charitable organizations.

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.

March 12 of each year has been established as Memorial Day. Chapters are expected to conduct an appropriate service to recall to memory those members who have entered Omega Chapter.

Some brothers, for various reasons, are not currently enjoying the full benefits of Omega. At the national, district, and local levels there must be an organized and concerted effort to return inactive brothers to a full participatory status.

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.

Chapters facilitate, participate and coordinate activities that promote good health practices. Some of the programs are the Charles Drew Blood Drive and partnership with the American Diabetes Association.

Every level of the Fraternity, particularly at the chapter level, is asked to play an active role in support of the partnership by actively engaging in the promotion of the Fraternity's Fatherhood Mentoring initiative.