Today we’d like to introduce you to Corey Harris and Bryan Tigner.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Kappa League is the apart of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc’s national service program, Guide Right. Formally known as the Kappa Youth Leadership and Development League, this program provides educational, occupational and social guidance to male students in 6th-12th grades.
Bryan Tigner and myself were asked to lead this program locally about 4 years ago. Our dynamic partnership along with a genuine passion to see the young men in our communities succeed have contributed to making this program what it is now.
We initially began with about 10 young men. Over the last four years, we have grown to over 120 students, representing over 20 high schools throughout the Greater Houston Area. Our footprint can also be seen with the inclusion of a Jr. Kappa League program at Attucks Middle School and current discussion to expand to other middle schools. With this growth, we have also had to recruit, Diallo Smith, to be apart of our leadership team.
Currently, we accept young men year round, despite socioeconomic status, religious beliefs, and background.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has definitely not been easy. Some of the most challenging obstacles we have faced have been with communication, retention, transportation, and funding.
In regards to communication and retention, we have been successful in overcoming these obstacles.
We quickly learned that due to financial situations or as a consequence of bad behavior, phone privileges would be suspended or revoked. In this lesson, we had to adjust to get messages out to students over their many social media platforms. Even though some may not have access to their phones, they still found ways to check their social media accounts. Being able to relate to issues of a developing young man and providing our guys with unique and engaging settings helps in keeping a majority of the members active in the program.
In addition, we expose them to ideas, experiences, and environments they may not ordinarily been privy. With the continued increase in numbers, funding and transportation honestly is still a work in progress. We are grateful for the assistance of the Education and Charities Foundation of Houston, the Houston Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, and those within the community who have given financially and/or have assisted through their individual talents and expertise.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Houston Kappa League – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Kappa League is a program designed to aid young men grow and develop their leadership talents in every phase of human endeavor. Kappa League provides both challenging and rewarding experiences to enhance the lives of the participants. Also, to help these young men achieve worthy goals for themselves and make constructive contributions to their communities when they assume leadership roles.
The Houston Kappa League Program is proud of the continued success and the impact of our signature programs which include Kappa Kuts (free back to school haircuts for young men prior to the start of the school year), Etiquette Training, an Annual Financial Aid and College Readiness Seminar, College Tour, and College Signing Day.
One unique fact of our program is that we have a 100% college acceptance and high school graduation rate, over the last 4 years of tracking data. We have also been recognized regionally and nationally, throughout the Fraternity, for the handwork and success of our program.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Houston has a very diverse population and there a lot of opportunities for those who apply themselves or are looking to create their own niche in whatever area they so choose.
Being such a large city, Houston does not have appropriate public transportation.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3349 Southmore Blvd
Houston, TX 77004 - Phone: 404.606.0673
- Email: hacguideright@gmail.com
- Instagram: @houston_kappaleague
- Facebook: @houkappaleague
- Twitter: @hou_kappaleague
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
