Oct.01

American Leadership Academy

The economy seems to be strengthening a bit and airfares are down slightly from this time last year, but it can still be quite an investment to get yourself to Cabo for the Leadership Experience. We understand funds are tight for many right now, but also know that the value of this experience is worth many times the price you’ll pay.

Here are some ideas for ways to reduce your out of pocket costs...

1. The Endowment Fund of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity is offering a total of $15,000 in need-based scholarships to cover your registration fee. Registration for 2010 is $150, but you get a $25 discount if you register by the deadlines (Nov. 1 for January session; Dec. 1 for March sessions). It’s a simple application process and you can apply online. Find more information at the Endowment Fund website HERE.
2. Try to raise funds in fall to offset your costs. Chapters have a great resource – their manpower – that can be utilized to raise money during the fall. Rake leaves, shovel snow, hire out for cleaning and handyman jobs. Build a fund in the fall to make sure the guys who will help your chapter the most can attend.
3.Check for college/university funds that might be available. Many campuses have funds within their student activities fees, student government, Dean of Students office or office of Student Activities or Greek Affairs, to support students attending off-campus leadership programs or conferences. We have students who attend each year on a grant from their campus – and it pays registration and travel expenses.
Talk to your Greek advisor, Dean of Students or student government representative to find out if funds are available and how you might apply.
4.Purchase tickets early. Spring Break flights fill up fast after mid-terms and start to get more expensive after Thanksgiving. Some students make the mistake of holding on to money longer, only to find the fare has risen to a price they can no longer afford.
5.Have a frequent flyer in the family? See if they’ll give you air miles for your ticket. Almost every airline will allow a frequent flyer to purchase a ticket with miles for other travelers. Some airlines also allow use of air miles to reduce the cash price (ex: $250 + 15,000 miles, instead of $550). But book early – air miles seats are limited and the first to sell out.
6.Involve your alumni. Maybe they would be interested to sponsor a student by underwriting the registration fee, helping with airfare, or donating air miles from their accounts. Several chapters have a group of alumni to help oversee the selection process, prepare men for their trip, and find funds to send them. If the result is better leaders for the chapter, alumni may be interested to help.

The most important thing though, is to plan early. The longer you wait, the less time you have to raise money and the higher ticket prices go. Don’t miss out on a great program because you didn’t begin planning or fundraising early enough.

Tom Pennington, Executive Director
TCP@AmericanLA.org

(Article adapted from our August, 2009 newsletter. Get the full newsletter HERE)