Achievement Week

Second District Achievement Week Committee

Why Achievement Week Matters

Achievement Week, originally established to promote the study of Negro life and history, is celebrated each November by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. This observance highlights and honors individuals—both within the fraternity and the broader community—who have made significant contributions to improving the quality of life for Black Americans.
 

Background

Achievement Week, originally established to promote the study of Negro life and history, is celebrated each November by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. This observance highlights and honors individuals—both within the fraternity and the broader community—who have made significant contributions to improving the quality of life for Black Americans.
 
​A cornerstone of Achievement Week is the International High School Essay Contest, which invites college-bound high school seniors to submit essays on a designated topic. Winners are awarded scholarships, furthering the fraternity's commitment to fostering academic excellence and honoring the legacy of Bro. Dr. Carter G. Woodson (OMEGA Chapter).
 
​Since its founding in 1911, Omega Psi Phi has remained steadfast in its dedication to its Cardinal Principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift, creating a legacy of leadership, service, and positive impact.
 
​The Second District proudly celebrates the achievements of its members, chapters, and the communities it serves.  The following provide the key highlights and activities.

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​International High School Essay Contest

Open to college-bound seniors, this contest provides scholarships through a competitive process at the chapter, district, and international levels

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Scholarship Awards

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• Chapter Awards

NOTE:  Determined by the local charter – amount and/or type

• Second District Awards

  • 1st Place: $1,000

  • 2nd Place: $500

  • 3rd Place: $250

NOTE: The Second District winner will compete for International awards.

• International Awards

  • 1st Place: $5,000

  • 2nd Place: $3,000

  • 3rd Place: $2,000

  • 4th Place: $1,000

NOTE: Each award is contingent upon the awardee's proof of college enrollment.

Submission Deadlines

High School Essay Contest submissions are due to the local chapter in the student’s community or area by October 31, 2025.  Eligible high school students must submit essays and a properly completed International High School Essay packet (Attached) directly to the local Undergraduate Chapter or local Graduate Chapter.  Contact your chapter for additional details. (see https://members.oppf.org/OPPMembers/ChapterSearch/ChapterSearch.aspx)

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Student must select ONE (1) chapter to provide their submission where there are chapters with overlapping community service areas.  Submissions to multiple chapters may result in disqualification from consideration at the Second District level.

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Chapters must submit their winning essays as a complete package electronically to the Achievement Week Committee by November 30, 2025 via achievementweek@opp2d.org.  Each chapter may submit ONE (1) winning essay -- tie breakers are resolved at the chapter level.

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​International Achievement Week Awards

The Achievement Week Committee will evaluate chapter submissions to determine the Second District Award winners eligible to compete for International Awards.  Notice will be provided to the chapter of the awardees also published on the website and other forums.  The International Award winners are annually determined in July and announced soon thereafter.

Note the following in preparation for your Chapter and Second District awards process.  It is important to focus on proper Chapter-level adherence to the International Awards standards as it pertains to the Forms 77.  While Chapter level criteria may be used to help determine merit for Chapter eligibility/nomination and selection/award, it must be noted that eligibility and selection criteria at the Second District-level and International-level follow the applicable eligibility and selection criteria published as part of the Forms 77.

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Chapter and Individual Awards

• Recognition is given to Fraternity Brothers, Chapters, and also citizens of chapter/local, district/state or regional, and/or national/international acclaim who exemplify the principles and mission of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

• Submissions of Forms 77 for award considerations are anticipated annually in January. Forms 77 for chapter and citizen awards can be found on the International Headquarters (IHQ) website.

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Training and Resources

• Virtual training on Forms 77 will be held on a date to be announced (TBA).  Target months are typically November or December.

• Reference materials, including past winning applications, are available to guide chapters in creating competitive submissions. (see below)

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Community Engagement

• Fraternity chapters are encouraged to showcase their impact by:

  • Collaborating with local leaders and organizations;

  • Organizing events to honor exemplary individuals; and,

  • Highlighting the accomplishments of Fraternity Brothers and their contributions to society.

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Forms 77

The Second District Achievement Week Committee is sharing the link to the Forms 77 required to apply for award consideration, as well as the winning Forms 77 from the 2021-2022 awards cycle as references – not for use to be copied for submissions. (see below) Chapters are encouraged to be creative and reminded to follow the guidelines and requirements published in the Forms 77. Participation across the district is highly desired and strongly encouraged —"You’ve got to be in it to win it!" 

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Application Templates

• Chapter Awards (3)

  • Graduate Chapter of the Year Award Application (Revised 9/30/2019)

  • Large Graduate Chapter of the Year Award Application (Revised 9/30/2019)

  • Undergraduate Chapter of the Year Award Application (Revised 9/30/2019)

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• Individual Awards (7)

  • Brigadier General Charles Young Military Leadership Award (Revised 9/30/2019)

  • Citizen of the Year Award Application (Revised 10/1/2019)

  • Dr. Ernest E. Just Undergraduate Chapter Advisor of the Year Award Application (Revised 9/30/2019)

  • Founders’ Lifetime Achievement Award Application (Revised 9/30/2019)

  • Graduate Omega Man of the Year Award Application (Revised 9/30/2019)

  • Superior Service Award Application (Revised 9/30/2019)

  • Undergraduate Omega Man of the Year Award Application (Revised 9/30/2019)​​

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Achievement Week
Interim Chairman