Chapter Program Award Recipients & Program Summaries

Middlesex College’s Alpha Theta Zeta Chapter brought literacy to life with their innovative “Book Bingo” event on April 5, 2024. Serving their campus Early Learning Center, KDP members collected over 400 gently used books and created engaging book bundles for young learners. The event combined fun with education, reinforcing literacy skills through bingo while providing each child with at least five books to take home.

Going beyond book distribution, the chapter created research-based pamphlets for parents on the importance of early literacy. When an unexpected earthquake struck mid-event, KDP members demonstrated quick thinking by hosting an impromptu dance party, keeping children calm and engaged.

This thoughtful approach to promoting literacy not only brought joy to the children but also reinvigorated KDP members’ passion for education. Middlesex College’s chapter has set an inspiring example of how to make a meaningful impact on literacy in their community.

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Imagine a world where children have never held a book. For Shepherd University’s Delta Psi Chapter, this reality sparked an incredible journey of global literacy promotion. Their “Putting Books in Their Hands” project is revolutionizing education in Kenyan primary schools, one library at a time.

Inspired by their professor’s eye-opening sabbatical experience, these passionate students launched a two-pronged attack on illiteracy:

1. A GoFundMe campaign to build shelving and purchase local books
2. A massive book drive in their own community

The results? Mind-blowing! In just two years, they've:

• Established TWO fully stocked libraries serving more than 950 children
• Raised nearly $4,200 for books and shelving
• Collected and delivered thousands of books
• Recruited study abroad students to transport books internationally
• Taught Kenyan teachers how to use anchor books in their classrooms

But they're not stopping there! A third library for 1,500 students in a Nairobi slum is already in the works.

This project isn’t just about donating books—it’s about creating lasting change. Delta Psi members are getting hands-on experience in international development, cultural exchange, and the power of education to combat poverty.

Want to make a global impact from your campus? Take inspiration from Delta Psi and start your own literacy revolution today!

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Sun, Sand, and Stories: Pi Sigma’s Beach-Themed Literacy Extravaganza!

Liberty University’s Pi Sigma Chapter turned learning into a day at the beach with their award-winning Literacy Alive program! These aspiring educators made waves at Dearington Elementary School, transforming second-grade classrooms into a tropical paradise complete with shark decorations, seaweed streamers, and glittery doorways.

But this was no ordinary day at the beach. Pi Sigma members collected more than 200 books and crafted beach-themed goodie bags for each student, packed with grade-appropriate books and fun surprises. The day was filled with creative activities that had kids riding the literacy wave:

• Beach ball toss to practice story sequencing
• Sight word bingo with beach-themed words
• Creating flipbooks to master prefixes, suffixes, and root words
• Writing letters to pirates (Arrr you ready to read?)

Pi Sigma’s innovative approach didn’t just make learning fun—it made a lasting impact. Students left with new books, a renewed excitement for reading, and even DIY beach ball story games to continue the learning at home.

This sea-sational event wasn’t just a win for the kids. Pi Sigma members gained invaluable hands-on teaching experience, and teachers got a much-needed break to catch up on work.

Pi Sigma’s Literacy Alive Day proves that with creativity, dedication, and a sprinkle of beach magic, you can transform a classroom into a literacy wonderland. Who knew learning could be such a ball?

Omega Theta Chapter’s Literacy Alive! Program: Igniting a Global Reading Revolution

The Omega Theta Chapter at Nova Southeastern University is turning the page on literacy challenges with their dynamic Literacy Alive! program. This year-long initiative is making waves across continents, proving that a small group of dedicated students can have a massive impact on global literacy.

Highlights of their program include:

1. A wildly successful book drive that collected over 1,000 books for children in Africa, surpassing their initial goal thanks to generous donations from across the university community.
2. Hands-on literacy projects in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where chapter members worked directly with early childhood centers to boost reading skills and donate much-needed resources.
3. An innovative literacy project in Ibarra, Ecuador, focusing on “communicating without speaking words”—a creative approach to overcoming language barriers and supporting individuals with disabilities.
4. Local impact in Florida, with book donations to preschools and engaging reading activities for young learners.

The Omega Theta Chapter’s efforts have touched the lives of over 300 children and 25 teachers internationally, distributing more than 200 care packages filled with books and educational materials. Their work has even caught the attention of local news outlets in St. Vincent, spreading the word about their impactful initiatives.

What sets this program apart is its global reach and innovative approaches to literacy. From translating books to create bilingual learning experiences, to using art and creativity to teach communication skills, the Omega Theta Chapter is redefining what it means to promote literacy in diverse communities.

This Literacy Alive! program is a shining example of how college students can make a real difference in the world. It’s not just about donating books—it’s about creating connections, overcoming barriers, and igniting a passion for reading that spans across borders and cultures.

Kudos to the Omega Theta Chapter for their outstanding work and for showing us all that with creativity, dedication, and a love for learning, we can turn the page on global literacy challenges!

Middlesex College’s Alpha Theta Zeta Chapter Shines with Dual-Impact Service Program

Middlesex College’s Alpha Theta Zeta Chapter has set the bar high with their innovative, two-pronged approach to community service. Their program tackled two critical issues affecting today’s youth: substance abuse and autism awareness.

Unveiling Hidden Dangers: Drug Awareness Event

In a jaw-dropping session, Dr. Heather DiBlasi, an addiction studies expert, revealed shocking trends in substance abuse among K-12 students. Did you know that marijuana use in adolescence can actually lower IQ? Or that some illegal drugs are now masquerading as everyday snacks, potentially infiltrating school vending machines? This eye-opening event left attendees stunned and better prepared to face these challenges in their future classrooms.

Celebrating Neurodiversity: Autism Awareness Paint Night

Spring brought a splash of color to campus with a unique paint night event. This wasn't just about creating art – it was a powerful statement of acceptance and understanding. The chapter raised over $200 for a local elementary school’s "Bubble Day" autism awareness initiative. But the real masterpiece? Reframing autism as a beautiful part of human diversity rather than a disability.

Why It Matters

These events didn’t just tick the “community service” box—they created ripples of change:

1. Future teachers gained crucial knowledge about substance abuse, equipping them to better protect their students.
2. The autism awareness event fostered a culture of acceptance and celebration of neurodiversity on campus.
3. Both initiatives connected college students with the wider community, from local schools to addiction experts.

KDP’s Alpha Theta Zeta chapter has shown that effective community service isn’t just about the hours put in—it’s about creating lasting impact and changing perspectives. They’ve set a new standard for how college organizations can address real-world issues while fostering a more inclusive, informed campus community.

Imagine starting your teaching career with a classroom full of supplies, courtesy of your peers! That’s exactly what the Alpha Iota Omicron Chapter at Regent University made possible with their creative “Supply Drive” initiative.

This two-part event kicked off with a month-long donation drive, culminating in a Saturday morning “garage sale” extravaganza. Graduating seniors in education were treated to a shopping spree of classroom essentials, alleviating the financial burden of setting up their first classrooms.

But wait, there’s more! The KDP team went above and beyond, organizing supplies into Instagram-worthy categories and surprising seniors with goodie-filled gift bags. Talk about starting your career off right!

The secret sauce? Collaboration! By partnering with the College Student Leadership Board (CSLB), the KDP chapter amplified their reach and resources. The result? A whopping 300+ donations collected, smashing expectations and spreading kindness across campus.

Chapter President Audrey Fitzgerald summed it up perfectly: “Everyone was very excited and incredibly grateful for the generosity of KDP and CSLB.”

Want to make a lasting impact on your campus and future educators? Take a page from this chapter’s book and start brainstorming your own innovative service project today!

The Upsilon Chapter at the University of Florida took community service to the next level, creating a vibrant program that got members out of the classroom and into the heart of their community. With a mix of creativity and dedication, they partnered with eight different organizations, making a real difference in Alachua County.

Picture this: Members kicking off the school year by donating supplies to local students, then moving on to a fall favorite—the “Buy a Pumpkin, Feed a Child” event. This wasn’t just your average pumpkin patch; every purchase went towards feeding children in need. Talk about a win-win!

But they didn’t stop there. The chapter rolled up their sleeves to make sandwiches for those experiencing homelessness, collected winter essentials for GRACE Marketplace, and even participated in a school makeover weekend. Imagine transforming an entire school campus in just a couple of days—that's the kind of impact they made!

One of the coolest parts? They made sure everyone could get involved, offering “anytime” service opportunities like crafting Cards of Hope and donating tabs to Ronald McDonald House. Whether you had five minutes or five hours, there was a way to make a difference.

The results speak for themselves: 28 members at the pumpkin patch, 18 creating hope-filled cards, and 16 giving a local school a fresh new look. But it’s not just about the numbers—it’s about the connections made and the lives touched.

This is what happens when future educators step up and show that making a difference can be both impactful and fun. The Upsilon Chapter didn’t just talk the talk; they walked the walk, becoming true changemakers in their community. Now that’s something to celebrate!

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The Omega Theta Chapter at Nova Southeastern University is taking community service to new levels with their inspiring “Soaring to Great Heights” initiative! This dynamic program features two exciting projects that showcase the power of education and compassion:

1. Care Packages for Incarcerated Youth: Teaming up with a local non-profit, Omega Theta members assembled 100 care packages filled with essentials and Christian literature for juvenile inmates in South Florida. This heartwarming effort not only provided much-needed supplies but also boosted morale and encouraged literacy among at-risk youth.
2. Ecuador Mission Trip: In a bold international move, Omega Theta members joined forces with CRECER in Ibarra, Ecuador, to support children and adults with disabilities. This week-long adventure combined applied behavior analysis, speech therapy, and entrepreneurship training. The team worked tirelessly to improve communication skills and even helped launch an online marketplace for locally crafted products!

These projects embody the true spirit of KDP, proving that educators can make a real difference both locally and globally. From writing encouraging notes to incarcerated teens to teaching craft skills in the Andes, Omega Theta shows that a caring society truly can soar to great heights!

Want to make a lasting impact like Omega Theta? Get inspired and start your own community collaboration project today!

The Eta Tau Chapter at the University of Lynchburg has distinguished itself with an exemplary Leadership Development program. Their innovative approach to nurturing educational leaders has earned them recognition and stands as an inspiration to KDP chapters nationwide. Some highlights of their program include:

• Shadow Leadership: The chapter implements a shadowing process where future officers engage in leadership duties for a full semester before officially taking office.
• Succession Planning: Officers are tasked with training their successors, ensuring smooth transitions and continuous chapter growth.
• Inclusive Leadership Opportunities: The chapter maintains transparency about board vacancies, encouraging all members to consider leadership roles.
• Comprehensive Application Process: Potential leaders showcase their vision and commitment through an in-depth application, emphasizing impact and future contributions.
• Collaborative Selection: The entire board and faculty counselors participate in the leadership selection process, ensuring the best fit for each role.
• Pre-Initiate Development: New members undergo a multi-stage process, demonstrating professional growth and leadership potential before full induction.

Eta Tau’s commitment to developing well-rounded educational leaders is evident in every aspect of their program. They’ve created a dynamic environment where future educators not only learn leadership skills but actively practice them.

This innovative approach to leadership development within a KDP chapter serves as a model for fostering the next generation of educational leaders. Kappa Delta Pi commends the Eta Tau Chapter for their outstanding efforts and the positive impact they’re making in the field of education.

Imagine joining a prestigious honor society from day one of your college journey, even before you’re eligible for full membership. That’s exactly what the Delta Psi Chapter at Shepherd University has made possible with their groundbreaking tiered membership program!

From Freshmen to Leaders

Faced with declining membership and leadership engagement post-COVID, the Delta Psi Chapter didn’t just adapt—they innovated. Their solution? A three-tiered membership system that welcomes students from the moment they step on campus:

1. Knowledge: Open to all education majors and minors
2. Duty: For those who’ve completed 6 credits of education coursework
3. Power: Full initiates committed to excellence in teaching

This system allows students to grow with the organization, gaining valuable experience and leadership skills along the way.

The Results? Nothing Short of Explosive!

• Membership skyrocketed from 6-8 new members to a whopping 31 in just one year.
• Event participation more than doubled, with 15-25 members at each event (up from 5-10).
• New members are making KDP their priority campus organization.

Real Impact, Real Stories

“Membership was available right when I was looking for a way to make friends,” one KNOWLEDGE level member shared. Another exclaimed, “I’m glad I’m a new member because I have been able to be involved in so many activities where I have connected with other education majors and teachers.”

The Future is Bright

With increased visibility, engagement, and a pipeline of enthusiastic future leaders, Delta Psi Chapter is setting the standard for leadership development in honor societies. They’re not just preparing future teachers—they’re cultivating the educational leaders of tomorrow, starting from day one!

Want to revolutionize your chapter’s approach to leadership and membership? Take a page from Delta Psi’s book and watch your chapter thrive!

Look out, world! The Upsilon Chapter at the University of Florida is taking teacher prep to a whole new level with their award-winning Professional Development program. They’re not just crossing t’s and dotting i’s—they’re giving future educators the secret sauce for success!

What’s cooking in this program?

• FTCE Mastery: They’re turning the Florida Teacher Certification Exam from a scary monster into a conquered challenge!
• Culture Champions: These future teachers are learning to create classrooms where every culture gets its moment in the spotlight.
• Self-Care Superstars: Because you can’t pour from an empty cup, they’re teaching the art of educator well-being.
• Résumé Rockstars: With help from career gurus, members are transforming their résumés from “meh” to “marvelous”!

Why it’s blowing minds:

• Popularity Explosion: Their events saw attendance nearly double faster than you can say “pop quiz”!
• One Size Fits All: Whether you’re a bright-eyed freshman or a battle-hardened senior, there’s something for everyone.
• Pro Tips Galore: Members are soaking up wisdom from seasoned educators, successful alumni, and career wizards.
• Instant Impact: Students are taking what they learn and immediately sprinkling it into their internships and student teaching.

The results? Upsilon Chapter members are walking taller, feeling more prepared, and getting seriously pumped about their future in education. They’re not just ready for the classroom—they’re ready to rock it!

This is how the Upsilon Chapter is shaping the next generation of edu-superstars. They’re not just talking the talk; they’re chalk-walking the chalk-walk!

KDP chapters, take note—this is how you level up the teacher game!

The Chi Upsilon Chapter at Texas A&M University-Kingsville is making waves with its cutting-edge Professional Learning Series (PLS)! This year’s theme, “Helping All Students to Thrive,” brought inspiring stories and practical insights straight from the frontlines of education.

Highlights:

• Real Talk from Real People: From a bilingual educator sharing his immigrant experience to a dental hygienist overcoming dyslexia, the speakers brought authentic, eye-opening perspectives to the table.
• Exam-Crushing Strategies: Recent grads spilled their secrets on acing those tough teacher certification exams. Talk about insider info!
• Zoom-Powered Learning: No need to leave your dorm room—these power-packed sessions came straight to your screen.

Why It Matters:

This isn’t your average lecture series. The PLS is all about equipping future teachers with the tools to support every student in their classrooms. Whether you’re working with English language learners or students with learning differences, you’ll walk away with strategies you can use on day one of your teaching career.

Recognition:

Their innovative approach didn’t go unnoticed—the TAMUK Student Engagement and Campus Life awarded them the Program of the Year Award in April 2024!

Ready to level up your teaching game? Keep an eye out for next year’s Professional Learning Series—it’s where future education rock stars are born!

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