Helping Students Soar: CIS of Eastern PA and Alpha Kappa Alpha Launch Mentoring Partnership at EAMS

This school year, CIS of Eastern PA (CIS) proudly partnered with a new community organization, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA), to launch a meaningful mentoring initiative at Easton Area Middle School (EAMS). Leaders from the local chapter, Alpha Gamma Phi Omega, approached CIS with a vision to support young women as they prepare for the important transition from middle school to high school. After learning more about the program’s goals, CIS leadership connected AKA with EAMS CIS staff at the close of the previous school year.

The result was the launch of S.O.A.R. — Striving for Opportunity, Achievement & Resilience — a mentoring program created specifically for 8th-grade girls of African American heritage or those who identify as Black. The program strives to empower students with the confidence, skills and support systems needed to thrive academically, socially and personally as they enter high school.

The EAMS site coordinator, 8th-grade CIS staff and AKA mentors began planning for the program in August 2025 to proactively build a strong foundation for success. Throughout that fall, the teams met monthly to prepare for the program’s January launch. With support from 8th-grade school counselors and administrators, the team identified students who would benefit from the program, guided them through the application process, and coordinated all aspects of implementation.

Students participated in monthly after-school sessions with engaging lessons, discussions and presentations designed to strengthen leadership, resilience, academic readiness and personal growth. Through the dedication of AKA mentors and CIS staff, participants gained valuable tools and encouragement to navigate both school and life challenges with confidence.

The program concluded its first year this May with a collaborative panel discussion hosted by AKA mentors and EAMS staff. The panel featured an Easton Area High School counselor, the EAHS CIS Site Coordinator and two EAHS students who shared firsthand insights into the high school experience, including the transition to high school, student support resources, opportunities for involvement and the importance of building connections early.

As the partnership continues to grow, AKA and EAMS staff will meet throughout the summer to prepare for the 2026-2027 school year. The team has already begun to identify future 8th-grade participants, with hopes of launching the next S.O.A.R. cohort as early as September. Together, CIS and AKA remain committed to creating supportive pathways that empower students to soar into their future with confidence and resilience.