With a mission to "cultivate and encourage scholarship and diversity, promote unity and partnership among members, provide solutions to social challenges in the Lafayette and Panola Counties and to maintain a progressive interest in the sorority’s initiatives while improving and sustaining our visibility,” Upsilon Iota Omega's signature service projects, since its charter, have revolved around three areas of focus:
Education, Health and Mentoring Youth.
Annual Youth ForumThe Youth Forum is a collaborative endeavor between the Oxford Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated and Upsilon Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in Oxford, MS. Beginning in 2010, the Youth Forum convenes to discuss issues facing our male and female youth between the ages of 9-18 within the Lafayette, Panola, and surrounding counties.
Each year, the Youth Forum focuses on a particular theme to highlight current events in today’s society, and its impact on today’s youth. More than 100 youth, mentors, and other interested parties attend the event from the surrounding counties. |
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Community Easter Egg Hunt
The spring community Easter Egg Hunt is a joint venture with local NPHC chapters in the Lafayette and Panola counties who come together to decorate and hide over 1000 Easter eggs for the youth.
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Juneteenth Celebrations
The chapter participates in two separate Juneteenth celebrations in Oxford and Sardis, MS. The focus is on one of the AKA targets related to health, education, financial literacy, the arts or Global Impact.
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Annual North Mississippi Diabetes Walk
The chapter is a constant volunteer for the North Mississippi Diabetes Walk for the last few years. The sorority does a joint service project with Theta Psi undergraduate chapter by volunteering at the Diabetes Walk.
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The Dr. Lennette J. Ivy Scholarship
The Dr. Lennette J. Ivy Scholarship recognizes deserving High School seniors who excel in leadership, academics and community service. The students provide a written essay that details their involvement in the community and school programs. The scholarship's participants are chosen from high schools in Panola and Lafayette County including North Panola and South Panola High School along with Oxford High School and Lafayette County High School. The chapter presents three separate $500 scholarships totaling $1500 each year. Lennette Ivy served as a department chair at the University of Mississippi in the Communicative Disorders Department. She was a dedicated life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and served as the chapter's Treasurer.
Click here to complete the scholarship application. |
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Fashionetta
The purpose of the Fashionetta Scholarship Pageant, as sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Upsilon Iota Omega Chapter, is to provide a holistic and fulfilling experience in self-efficacy and leadership through the use of culturally-relevant activities for young females in Lafayette, Panola, and/or surrounding counties. As a national signature program of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, The Fashionetta provides scholarship opportunities for females to pursue their educational interests in colleges and universities. Understanding or awakening the power in the love of self, service, and spirituality provides a unique venue toward living a conscientious life and providing scholarship opportunities to pursue educational interests. Thus, we are continuing our annual fundraising campaign and we need your support. Through the generosity of community members, we are able to offer many projects and scholarships that have a positive impact on the children of the Lafayette, Panola, and/or surrounding counties.
Twenty-three (23) participants were involved in the Upsilon Iota Omega Fashionetta program in 2017-2018. The participants attended a variety of programming endeavors that focused on cultural enhancement, leadership skills, educational experiences, and related areas. Participation in these events preceding the Fashionetta Scholarship Pageant along with the performance of participants at the Fashionetta Scholarship Pageant contributed to the crowning of Miss Fashionetta. |
As we continue to serve these communities through our international and local program target Soaring to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood, we encourage and welcome support of our programs and fundraising events from community members and the business community. Together, we can continue our legacy of community service.