Beulah T. Whitby Foundation
AKATeens of Detroit Leadership Program
Membership Application
Beulah T. Whitby Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides leadership and development programs for women and youth, promotes educational advancement, and supports enrichment initiatives in the area of health, cultural arts, and financial literacy to improve the quality of life for individuals and families through our community.
Established in 1981, the purpose of the AKATeens of Detroit Leadership Program is to promote leadership, to train teenagers for their role in society, and to become actively involved in civic and social activities within our community.
We provide a nurturing environment that encourages young ladies in grades nine through twelve to build confidence, character, and self-esteem as they explore:
● Community Service
● Financial Literacy
● Citizenship Building
● Health Awareness
● Life Skills
● Financial Aid & Scholarship
● Leadership, Ethic & Character Development
We also provide opportunities for the young women in our program to interact with community leaders, attend seminars, workshops, and conferences, along with social activities that provide friendship and fun.
We meet from September through April on the fourth Saturday, except in November 2026, December 2026, and March 2027, we meet on the third Saturday. We meet from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Beulah T. Whitby Foundation (formerly known as the Alpha Kappa Alpha Foundation of Detroit) building located at 1525 Howard Street, Detroit, Michigan 48216. Community Service occurs on separate days and may be in a different location.
Given the monthly frequency of our meetings, regular attendance is expected. We recognize that unforeseen circumstances may arise; therefore, teens are permitted up to two unexcused absences.
Each applicant MUST submit an electronic application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
1. Completed application, including Health, Media, and Field Trip Release forms
2. An Unofficial or Official High School Transcript with an overall G.P.A. of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 grading scale. Report cards will not be accepted from incoming 10th through 12th graders. If an 8th grader, entering into high school in the Fall, you must submit a copy of your last report card.
3. Two letters of recommendation (one must come from a teacher or counselor at your school).
4. A typed personal statement on “Why would you like to become a member of the AKATeens of Detroit Leadership Program?” (250 to 500 words)
Returning applicants need to submit personal information, unofficial or official transcript, and health, media, and field trip release forms, only. Applications are due by June 27, 2026, 11:59 p.m.
A fee of $75.00 is due upon acceptance into the program.
Ms. Gloria H. Polk, Chairman – Ms. Cydnei Henry, Co-Chairman –
Ms. Jennifer Hockenhull, Co-Chairman, AKATeens of Detroit Leadership Program
Ms. Freda Sampson, Vice President & Program Chairman,
Beulah T. Whitby Foundation
Ms. Lillian Diallo, President, Beulah T. Whitby Foundation