Project Graduation Reaches 500 Communities
In 2004, Phi Theta Kappa chapters fought the battles against hunger and illiteracy like never before. With more than 86,000 food items and 91,000 books donated, 2004 was a banner year for Project Graduation. Not only did chapters engage their college, campus organizations, and local high schools, but they also sought out and catered to their community needs. Several chapters received monetary donations that were used to purchase books and other items desired in the community. Even more chapters solicited help from their local grocery and bookstores, which either donated items or allowed them to take donations from shoppers.
Community needs are not restricted to the United States. The chapters in Canada, Germany, and the US territories of Guam and Saipan helped to overcome needs in their communities. Guam Community College chapter members noticed their neighboring island, Yap, needed food to help aid typhoon victims and came through with 218 donations. Lethbridge Community College in Canada received lists of specific books needed by their local elementary schools and in turn requested those books of the college and community. The chapter's efforts resulted in more than 100 books donated to the schools with the most need.
In Ohio, the success of the All-State Academic Team members gave way to a new Project Graduation event. The 44 students selected to the All-Ohio Academic Team presented baskets of books and school supplies to Ohio Governor Taft for the Ohio Reads campaign. A total of 22 chapters donated almost 600 books to the state.
