The Omega Gentlemen Mentoring Program delivers service to young men based on their cardinal principles (Brotherhood, Empowerment, Academics, and Determination). These principles are aligned to the Cardinal Principles of the Omega Psi Phi Inc. (Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift).
Young men who participate in the Omega Gents program make life impacting memories and build relationships with accomplished men from their community; that is essential to their long-term success. Omega Gents develop academically, socially and emotionally. They grow through various support services and exposure to positive new experiences that reinforce critical life skills. Omega Gents develop a sense of community by participating in a wide range of service projects. They build the confidence necessary to visualize, believe, and pursue their dreams. Finally, Omega Gents complete the program with a network of peers and friends to provide continued support.
Brotherhood
Rites of Passage
Our young men participate in a series of activities and workshops over a 7-9 week period with the purpose of developing self and social awareness. Activities include group discussions with Omega men, confidential discussions on manhood and adulthood that are designed to foster the cardinal principles of Omega Psi Phi.
Career Days/Corporate Visits
The Omega Gents Youth Mentoring Leadership Team works with local business executives to periodically schedule career days and corporate visits to Bay Area companies. In addition, some workshops may include topics as resume writing skills, interview and presentation skills, pre- and post-interview communications planning, and appropriate business and professional attire recommendations
Academics
College Preparation
Omega Gents leverages resources by partnering with other community-based organizations. Omega Gents program has a long-standing partnership with the Willie B. Atkins program to provide academic support for program participants.
The Willie B. Adkins Scholars Program (WBAS) founded in 1986 by objective was to increase the number of African American students enrolling in college. Since the program’s inception it has evolved into a comprehensive program for all high school students and their parents. Gentlemen of the Theta Pi Chapter provide countless hours of volunteer support to the program which provides academic enrichment for Omega Gents.
Students engage in weekly college predatory activities that promote college attendance and decrease the achievement. The program features presentations on California’s A-G requirements, SAT & ACT preparation, financial aid application processes, time management, personal portfolio creation, and one-on-one counseling with professional resources. At the end of the Willie B. Atkins program year, Gents are prepared with a personal portfolio binder and additional materials to start their journey to college.
Enrichment Workshops
The Omega Gents will engage in Monthly workshops facilitated by the Fraternity in partnership with The Philmore & Jamela Graham Foundation. These workshops will support career and social skill development, financial literacy, and field trips to businesses and corporations.
In State and Out of State College Campus Tours
Gents are exposed to college life at local Bay Area and regional colleges and universities. Campus visits may include meeting with admissions officials, counselors, and students active in organizations such as the Black Student Union. A student-led tour of the campus, lecture halls and sports facilities also may be included. Gents may have an opportunity to visit individual schools/colleges at the universities (i.e. Communication, Business, Arts and Sciences, etc.) and ask questions about possible areas of interests.
Each winter, high school students tour local colleges to experience the college life. In the spring, students tour Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU’s) in the southern and eastern states. Program requirements include, portfolio completion and program participation.
Determination
Social and Special Growth Outings
The program offers regular social and recreational outings. In addition to outings on the calendar, program leaders and mentors, will take Gents on more informal outings like bowling or to the movies.
Each semester, special outings are included on the calendar. These activities include out of town youth conferences, college tours, professional sporting events, a weekend camping trip, and others. While program leaders make every effort to make sure most outings are offered at no cost to parents, special outings require a nominal fee.
It is an objective of the program to expose program participants to a wide range of experiences.
While all events are well attended and receive great feedback, the weekend camping trip is the most popular! Each year Gents enjoy a three-day camping trip where they engage in activities to learn collaboration, teamwork, outdoor education and social skills. Far from home, Gents have experiences to which many have never been exposed. From pitching a tent, building a fire, to cooking outdoors, as Gents make a home away from home and participate in team building exercises, they bond with each other and their mentors.
Big Brother / Little Brother Connections Program
We have learned through experience that regular engagement between a Mentor (a Brother of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity) and an Omega Gent is helpful in the positive development of the Omega Gent. As such, each Omega Gent will have a dedicated Big Brother to engage. Mentors are directed to engage their Omega Gent at least once a week, be it via a phone conversation, text messaging and/or other forms of social media, and/or in person.
Empowerment
Community Service
Community service is a cornerstone of Omega Psi Phi’s existence. It is reflected in our Cardinal Principle of Uplift. The Omega Gents Youth Mentoring Program itself is an example of our commitment to our community. Accordingly, we want to instill this value in the young men we mentor and teach them, through their own personal experience, that they can make a difference in their community. Prior Gents community service projects have included food bank participation, providing turkeys for families in need at Thanksgiving, cleaning local parks in Vallejo on Earth Day, supporting public city officials, awareness events, and participating in the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Christmas gift giveaway for children and those in need within the community.
Social and recreational outings have included events such as bowling, movie night, college and professional sporting events, a weekend camping trip, and other community events. While all our events are well attended and receive great feedback, the weekend camping trip is the most popular!
Step Team
In efforts to promote confidence, presentation, showmanship, health, well-being and bonding. Omega Gents have the opportunity to participate with the Step Team. The Step Team is invited to perform at community events throughout the program year. Step performances include songs, steps and chants that showcase the cultural significance of song and rhythmic movement within the African American culture and reinforce the cardinal principles of the program. Young men who participate in the Step Team bond with each other during practice, celebrate one another’s growth and improvement within the process, and share a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Required Parent Communication and Investment
Parent communication is essential to the success of the program. The primary source of communication for the Omega Gents program is through the Group Me App and Email. All parents of young men who are accepted into the program, agree to download and review communication within the Group Me App regularly. Each family is required to make a financial investment for the program year. The funds for will be applied to the Gents to cover their child’s wardrobe and other select items and activities. A limited number of specific events and/or activities may require additional parental/guardian financial support for which a fee may be required. Parents/guardians will be informed of such events and fees by the Omega Gents Youth Mentoring Leadership Team
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