Iota Phi Theta: A Catalyst for Black Male Student Success

Introduction

Iota Phi Theta is a historically Black fraternity that has been empowering its members for over a century. Founded in 1963, the fraternity has a rich history of service, leadership, and academic excellence. Today, Iota Phi Theta has over 300 chapters and over 20,000 active members.

Mission and Values

Iota Phi Theta's mission is to "develop leaders who are committed to the principles of brotherhood, scholarship, and service." The fraternity's values include:

• Brotherhood: Iota Phi Theta fosters a strong sense of community and unity among its members.
• Scholarship: The fraternity places a high value on academic achievement and encourages its members to excel in their studies.
• Service: Iota Phi Theta is committed to serving the community and making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Programs and Initiatives

Iota Phi Theta offers a variety of programs and initiatives to support its members, including:

• Mentoring: The fraternity provides mentoring programs to help members develop their leadership skills and professional networks.
• Scholarship: Iota Phi Theta awards scholarships to members who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.
• Community Service: The fraternity encourages its members to volunteer their time to support community organizations.

Impact on Black Male Student Success

Iota Phi Theta has a significant impact on the success of Black male students. The fraternity provides its members with a strong support system, academic resources, and opportunities for leadership and service. As a result, Iota Phi Theta members are more likely to succeed in college and graduate with a degree.

According to a study by the University of Michigan, Iota Phi Theta members have a higher GPA than non-members and are more likely to graduate from college. The study also found that Iota Phi Theta members are more likely to be involved in leadership activities and to have a strong sense of community.

Three Stories of Success

Story 1: The First Black Rhodes Scholar

Michael Stanton was the first Black student to receive a Rhodes Scholarship. He was a member of Iota Phi Theta and graduated from Morehouse College in 1963. Stanton went on to earn a doctorate from Oxford University and served as a professor at several universities. He was also a civil rights activist and worked to promote racial equality.

Story 2: The First Black President of Harvard University

Drew Faust is the first Black president of Harvard University. She is a member of Iota Phi Theta and graduated from Swarthmore College in 1968. Faust went on to earn a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and served as the president of Bryn Mawr College before becoming president of Harvard University in 2007.

Story 3: The First Black Female CEO of a Fortune 500 Company

Ursula Burns is the first Black female CEO of a Fortune 500 company. She is a member of Iota Phi Theta and graduated from Polytechnic University in 1979. Burns went on to earn an MBA from Columbia University and worked at Xerox Corporation for over 30 years. She became the CEO of Xerox in 2009 and retired in 2016.

What We Can Learn from These Stories

The stories of these three successful Black individuals demonstrate the power of Iota Phi Theta. The fraternity provides its members with the support, resources, and opportunities they need to achieve their goals. Iota Phi Theta is a valuable organization that is making a positive impact on the lives of Black male students.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Here are a few tips and tricks for success in Iota Phi Theta:

• Get involved. The more involved you are in the fraternity, the more you will get out of it. Attend meetings, participate in events, and volunteer your time.
• Build relationships. Make an effort to get to know your brothers. They can provide you with support, advice, and opportunities.
• Take advantage of the resources. Iota Phi Theta offers a variety of resources to help members succeed. These resources include mentoring programs, scholarships, and leadership training.
• Set goals. Having clear goals will help you stay motivated and focused. Set goals for your academic career, your career, and your personal life.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you need help, don't be afraid to ask your brothers or other members of the fraternity. They are there to support you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid in Iota Phi Theta:

• Not getting involved. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is not getting involved in the fraternity. If you don't get involved, you won't get the full benefit of membership.
• Not building relationships. Another mistake to avoid is not building relationships with your brothers. Your brothers can provide you with support, advice, and opportunities.
• Not taking advantage of the resources. Iota Phi Theta offers a variety of resources to help members succeed. If you don't take advantage of these resources, you are missing out on a great opportunity.
• Not setting goals. Having clear goals will help you stay motivated and focused. If you don't set goals, you are more likely to get sidetracked and lose focus.
• Being afraid to ask for help. If you need help, don't be afraid to ask your brothers or other members of the fraternity. They are there to support you.

Pros and Cons of Iota Phi Theta

Here are some of the pros and cons of joining Iota Phi Theta**:

Pros:

• Strong sense of community and brotherhood
• Opportunities for leadership and service
• Resources to support academic success
• Lifetime membership
• Alumni network

Cons:

• May require a financial commitment
• Time commitment can be significant
• May not be a good fit for everyone

Conclusion

Iota Phi Theta is a valuable organization that is making a positive impact on the lives of Black male students. The fraternity provides its members with the support, resources, and opportunities they need to achieve their goals. If you are a Black male student looking for a supportive and empowering organization, Iota Phi Theta may be the right fit for you.

Tables

Table 1: Iota Phi Theta Membership Statistics

Table 2: Iota Phi Theta Programs and Initiatives

Table 3: Iota Phi Theta Impact on Black Male Student Success