National Programs
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., is an international organization comprised of 225,000 college-educated men, and built primarily on the ideology of promoting Brotherhood, Scholarship and Service. Over its one hundred plus years of existence, the Fraternity has focused on improving the global community through dedicated service. This focus has compelled the development of the organization’s four main programs: Bigger and Better Business, Education, Social Action and Sigma Beta Clubs that embrace these objectives:
- To support Sigma’s vision of ensuring programs are focused and committed to serving our communities and serving young males through mentoring and scholarships;
- To ensure symmetry among all organizational and community initiatives;
- To develop a sense of pride and commitment in the community toward healthy living that will reduce the incidences of health conditions that adversely affect men of color.
Through the lens of these programs, members determine how best they can serve their respective communities. For example, our national mentoring program for males ages 8-18 provides for the development of young men as they prepare for college and the workforce. The organization’s partnerships with the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Boy Scouts of America and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund are examples of its efforts to address societal ills including health disparities and educational and developmental challenges for people of all backgrounds.
Bigger and Better Business became the first national program of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. It was first introduced at the Tenth Anniversary Conclave, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (December 1924). When Bigger and Better Business was adopted as a national program, special emphasis was placed on encouraging and promoting Negro businesses. At its inception, the program sought to encourage Negro businesses to improve their business acumen, efficiency and service to the public, to be competitive with other businesses.
The Education Program stands as a testament to the Fraternity’s enduring commitment to advancing excellence in education and community impact. Originating from the transformative 1945 Conclave in St. Louis, Missouri, this program evolved into an international initiative, reflecting the Fraternity’s belief in education as a foundation for success. Recognizing the interconnectedness of education and community well-being, our initiatives extend beyond individual academic pursuits to make a positive impact at the broader societal level.
In 1934, Bro. Elmo M. Anderson called for the reconstruction of the social order while fighting against anti-lynching practices. Today, Social Action is the heartbeat of our beloved fraternity and we should continue to honor our dear Bro. Anderson through meaningful and measurable activities. Our communities need strong leadership with a clear BOLD vision and message from our great fraternity. We need to continue to be the voice for the voiceless and work in the communities we serve to drive the most impact. We also need to ensure that we have a lens of equity when it comes to the partnerships that we have established. Our Social Action program is segmented into four focus areas: Brotherhood for Justice Reform, Healthy Communities, Safe Communities, and Voting Empowerment.
On April 23, 1954, the first Sigma Beta Club was organized in Montgomery, AL. Throughout its existence, Sigma Beta Clubs have been an essential part of the total organizational structure of many of the Alumni chapters of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and offers men of Sigma a unique opportunity to develop wholesome value, leadership skills, and social and cultural awareness of youth at a most critical stage in the youth’s personal development.
In addition to the national programs of Sigma Beta Club, it also focuses on Culture, Athletics, Social and Educational needs. Sigma Beta Club programs are geared to meet the needs of its members, but at the same time provide them with a well-rounded outlook that is needed to cope with today’s society. Phi Beta Sigma is confident that investing in our youth today will produce effective leaders of tomorrow.
Sigma Beta Clubs also provide services to youths in their communities. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. interest in fostering the development of youth into effective leaders has been realized in the establishment of strong and productive Sigma Beta Clubs all across the country.
