After 10 years of encouraging academic excellence among ethnic minority male high school students at Oakland Mills, the Alpha Achievers will celebrate Jan. 14 and take a bow. The program has greatly changed the academic climate at Oakland Mills. "Now students are taking honors, AP [Advanced Placement] and gifted-and-talented courses," James said. "Now, students are not isolated. There are more students challenging themselves."

Besides community service, the group holds a mix of social events and fundraisers. The annual video game tournament regularly attracts numerous participants, and the group's annual calendar -- in which members pose in tuxedos -- has become a tradition at Oakland Mills. Proceeds pay for college scholarships, field trips and operating costs.

The program started at Oakland Mills in 1997 by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. -- a historically black organization -- with fewer than 20 members. Since then, more than 100 members at the Columbia school have graduated. Originally founded for African-American males, the program now includes males of all ethnic minority groups.  more >>