January Alpha Academy Session Summary: Community Engagement and Empowerment

On January 10, 2026, the Alpha Academy held its joint session centered on the theme of Community Engagement. The day began with an interactive activity titled Community Service Bingo, where mentees filled out bingo cards with numbers corresponding to different community service activities they had previously participated in. This engaging start encouraged participation, reflection on past experiences, and reinforced the importance of giving back. Winners of the bingo game were awarded Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards, further enhancing the positive atmosphere.

The session continued with a chess workshop that welcomed approximately four elementary school students. Participants were introduced to the game through a PowerPoint presentation titled “What is Chess?” Following this, students engaged in both computer-based and peer-to-peer chess competitions. This environment allowed them to take risks and learn from their mistakes while enjoying interactive activities. The hands-on component of playing chess on physical boards enabled students to apply their knowledge and enjoy the game, setting the stage for future sessions that will include robotics.

In another workshop, mentees explored the creative and technical aspects of car design during the Pinewood Derby session. The energetic atmosphere was fueled by an informative slideshow and a demonstration on a Hot Wheels track, which sparked excitement and teamwork as students brainstormed their car designs. They reviewed key concepts related to motion, friction, and design principles, reinforcing their STEM education in a memorable way. This hands-on activity encouraged patience, precision, and problem-solving skills, essential for their overall development and understanding of the subjects.

The drone session allowed mentees to review their workbooks and reflect on their performance ahead of the upcoming tournament. The group split into two focused teams: one designed a practice course that mirrored tournament conditions, while the other explored new programming tools for autonomous missions. This collaborative environment fostered skill enhancement, with participants testing ideas and learning from their experiences throughout the session.

Following the joint session, high school mentees participated in a focused workshop on community service project development. They were divided into small groups to collaboratively design a proposed community service project, which will be implemented in the spring with funding from AAMP. This process included identifying community needs, developing feasible solutions, and budgeting for their projects. The final project pitches will be presented and voted on in the February session, reinforcing essential skills in leadership, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving.

The outcomes of the January session aligned closely with the goals of the Alpha Academy, promoting increased awareness of community responsibility, enhanced leadership and teamwork skills, and improved critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Mentees also developed their communication and public speaking skills while fostering a sense of civic engagement and ownership over their projects. This session exemplified the chapter's commitment to empowering youth through education and community involvement, preparing them for future challenges and opportunities for positive change.