Service is one of the core tenets of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated. To that end, Greek letter organization aims to help individuals achieve their true potential through the commitment of time and resources to the development of others So it was a perfect match when Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Member and Sodexo General Manager of the Asbury Public School District W. Courtland Mitchell partnered with Sodexo. Through this initiative, both organizations were able to combine their missions by seeking to improve the learning potential of every student through investment and transformation. To accomplish this, four gifted and talented students, ranging from elementary to high school, were selected to be recipients of the generosity. In a district that services 1,500 students, these four students also were chosen because they showed themselves to be a standard above their peers by demonstrating an unyielding willingness to grow and learn.
Since the school year began, Mr. Mitchell, in consultation with the students’ mentors, has watched them develop and progress in an effort to meet their goals. The students also have demonstrated that they have learned how to understand their potential value and have been willing to explore various avenues of mentorship to achieve the maximum benefit. Through donations from members of both Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated --- Sigma, Sigma Sigma chapter -- and Sodexo, gifts were given as an incentive for students to continue demonstrating a positive outlook for the upcoming New Year, as well as reward them for their achievements thus far. The goal is to continue this initiative annually.