philly achievement academy

The Philadelphia Achievement Academy was founded at the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Achievement Center. The program began with approximately 20 students, forming a single group focused on Life Skills. 

Brother DeAndre K. Jones began his involvement with the program. He became the first student to graduate from the Achievement Academy and later joined the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. Brother Jones went on to serve as Vice President of the Achievement Academy Board. 

Due to continued growth, program leadership expanded the Academy into two groups: Life Skills and Youth Leadership.

The Achievement Academy formed a partnership with Germantown Friends School, transitioning all program sessions to the school. 

Brother Troy A. Robinson began his leadership with the program. He became the second student to graduate from the Achievement Academy and later joined the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. Brother Robinson served as Vice President of the Achievement Academy Board and later as Guide Right Chairman for the Chapter. 

Under the leadership of Brother Keith A. Earle, the Post Collegiate Achievement Academy Program (PCAAP) was established to support and mentor students after high school graduation as they matriculate through college. 

The Achievement Academy formed a partnership with Imhotep Charter High School. The program began to hold all its sessions at the school going forward. Because of growth in the academy, the program leaders decided to split the program into 3 groups: Life Skills, Youth Leadership and Kappa Leaguers. 

In an effort to better serve the surrounding community, the program returned to its original meeting location at the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Achievement Center. 

 Under the leadership of Stephen Mitnaul, Guide Right Chairman, the Achievement Academy demonstrated resilience and innovation in response to COVID-19 restrictions. The program successfully transitioned to a fully virtual model for one year, maintaining consistent mentorship, academic support, and life-skills programming despite unprecedented challenges. Through intentional engagement and adaptability, the Academy continued to serve its students without interruption. In recognition of his outstanding leadership and commitment to Guide Right programming, Brother Mitnaul was honored as Guide Right Chairman of the Year by the Northeastern Province. 

Under the leadership of Marquies Carter, Guide Right Chairman, the Achievement Academy experienced its “Great Return” to in-person programming and entered a period of significant expansion. With a renewed energy and vision, the program strengthened its focus on high school students in grades 9–12, placing greater emphasis on leadership development, college and career readiness, and long-term outcomes. Increased enrollment and expanded programming led to the transition of meetings to Cristo Rey High School, marking a new chapter of growth, impact, and sustainability for the program.