Lansing Alpha Esquires
Alpha Esquires is a youth leadership program dedicated to preparing young men for responsible adulthood, self-regulation, and community engagement. An initiative rooted in the “Go-to-High School, Go-to-College,” (1922) National Program, Alpha Esquires is brought to the community by the Lansing Alphas. We provide educational programs, social seminars, and opportunities for community service to unlock their leadership potential. We are a non-political organization that believes in the power of collective wisdom to positively influence Capital Area Youth. Through this initiative, our focus is to nurture self-esteem, confidence, and strong social skills for young men.
Why Become an Alpha Esquire?
LIFE SEMINARS/LECTURES
Seminars are facilitated by community leaders at local organizations designed to build the self-esteem of your young man.
COLLEGE VISITS
Exposing you to a broader range of career role models, diversity among African-Americans, and the historic advantage of having academic freedom to work out personal strategies for coping with demeaning and distracting racism that still pervades American society.
COMMUNITY SERVICE:
Community Service provides an invaluable opportunities for personal growth and societal contribution. Engaging in community service fosters empathy, develops leadership skills, and cultivates a sense of responsibility. By giving back, young men gain a deeper understanding of their community's needs and challenges, empowering them to become active and engaged citizens.
STUDY GROUPS:
Young men as they provide a structured environment for learning and collaboration. These groups can foster a sense of camaraderie and support, which can be particularly important for young men who may be facing academic or social challenges.
BROTHERHOOD:
Driven by comradeship, brotherhood provides a unique space for connection, support, and growth that is essential for navigating the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood.
Meet the Core Alpha Esquires Mentors
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Jonathan Rosewood
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
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Bro. Joseph Callahan
BROTHER
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Bro. Calvin Beard
BROTHER
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Charles Tillery
STEP MASTER
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Octavis Long
BROTHER
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Bro. Anton Woods
BROTHER
WHAT IT TAKES TO BE AN ALPHA ESQUIRE
Who Is Eligible To Be An Esquire:
Applicants must meet the following criterion to be considered for the Alpha Esquire program:
Be Male
In grades 3-12
Be familiar with and interested in the goals and objectives of the Alpha Esquire program
Willing to work hard to achieve the desired outcome – Success
Have obtained the permission of a parent or guardian to participate
Alpha Esquires Expectations
Meeting Cadence:
Alpha Esquires meet every Wednesday with the 1st Wednesday of the month dedicated to community service project. Esquires may also participate in community services on the 3rd Saturdays.
Attendance:
In order for an Esquire to receive the maximum benefits of the program, he must be present and willing to participate. We do not expect 100% attendance, but active and engaged Esquires and families are preferred.
Our program strives to prepare youth to be successful in professional settings in both demeanor and appearance. This being the case, all education enhancement activities are treated as business sessions.
Mentoring and Academic Success
Group mentoring offers young men invaluable guidance and support, fostering personal growth, resilience, and positive development. By connecting with mentors and peers, young men gain diverse perspectives, build essential life skills, and navigate challenges with confidence.
As has been stated, improving academic achievement is one of the primary tenets of the Alpha Esquire program; therefore, Esquires are required to provide 10 and 20 week grade updates every semester. This affords the Esquire, parent(s)/guardian(s), and mentor the opportunity to celebrate areas of success, and address areas requiring improvement.