Service Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Kappa Zeta Chapter, is committed to strengthening our community through educational initiatives, peer mentoring, grassroots volunteerism, coalition building and economic empowerment of women and children. While staying true to our mission, we are proud of our current and former partnerships with the YWCA's Girls Give Back Program located at P.S. 298 – Dr. Betty Shabazz Elementary School; The Open Door Church of Christ; Westminster Bethany Presbyterian Church; Rose R. Kennedy Center for Women and Children; and the Renaissance Women Shelter. We have educated the community through seminars on topics such as home buying; fibroids; HIV/AIDS and sexual responsibility; stress management; Kwanzaa; peer pressure; healthy eating habits and other topics that are important to women and children. In addition, we volunteer on an annual basis with numerous citywide campaigns such as New York Cares – Clean Up and Winter Coat drives; March of Dimes Walk America and Prematurity Awareness; and the American Diabetes Association Walk and Expo. This year Sigma Kappa Zeta Chapter continues its strive for excellence by joining forces with the Brooklyn Community Arts & Media High School (BCAM) to create the "Sigma Kappa Zeta Education and Empowerment Academy." The objective of the academy is to facilitate workshops focused on education, empowerment and leadership development for a group of ninth and tenth grade young ladies enrolled at the school. The effort is spearheaded by our Community Service and Z-HOPE committees. The academy’s goals for its participants includes relaying the importance of early preparation and planning for the future; providing them with a roadmap which they may follow and/or tailor to their personal preference; and empowering them to become finer women of society. The academy meets two Saturdays a month, during which students focus on numerous topics, including: college entrance testing and requirements; creative writing; self-esteem and body image; conflict resolution; HIV awareness; dining and social etiquette; and traditional and non-traditional careers. In addition, the workshops are designed to educate and celebrate our African American heritage and the important role women of color have played in the advancement of people of color. To ensure that our workshops and activities are relevant to the young ladies, we solicit their feedback through roundtable discussions. That input is then incorporated into future workshops and activities. Furthermore, the academy strives to encourage and foster a collaborative relationship with the parents of our participants through constant communication along with parent workshops geared toward bridging the gap between parent and child. Sigma Kappa Zeta Chapter is committed to building strong partnerships within the Brooklyn community through the legacy of our National Service Initiative - Z-HOPE: Zetas Helping Other People Excel through MIND, BODY and SPIRIT. To join in our efforts to change the mind, body and spirit of Brooklyn, please contact us at sigmakappazeta@onebox.com.