American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association
District 1
ALABAMA | FLORIDA | GEORGIA | MISSISSIPPI | SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE
The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) is one of the largest Hellenic heritage groups in the world and is a major community service organization in North America. Included in the AHEPA Family is the women's group, Daughters of Penelope; the Sons of Pericles (the junior order of AHEPA); and the Maids of Athena (the junior order of the Daughters of Penelope). While founded in the United States in 1922, the AHEPA organization has branched out to include chapters throughout Canada, Greece, Cyprus, New Zealand and Australia.
The mission of the AHEPA Family District No. 1 Educational Fund, Inc. is to provide both scholastic achievement and financial need scholarships to students pursuing post high school education. In addition, the Fund strives to strengthen community and country by promoting education through the development and implementation of various comprehensive programs.
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AHEPA was founded on July 26, 1922 in response to the evils of bigotry and racism that emerged in early 20th century American society. It also helped Greek immigrants assimilate into society.
OUR HISTORY
Today, AHEPA brings the ideals of ancient Greece, which includes philanthropy, education, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence to the community.
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Although a majority of the membership is composed of Americans of Greek descent, application for membership is open to anyone who believes in the mission of the organization.
Our Officers
HARRY KIPREOS - DISTRICT GOVERNOR
JOHN SHINAS - DISTRICT LT. GOVERNOR
RON SPROUSE - DISTRICT TREASURER
DALE GREENSTEIN - DISTRICT SECRETARY
Our Mission
The mission of the AHEPA Family is to promote Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family and Individual Excellence.
Learn more about our mission
HELLENISM
An important component of AHEPA's mission is to create an awareness of the principles of Hellenism to society. These principles include a commitment to humanity, freedom, and democracy. The preservation and promotion of these ideals is where AHEPA has, and always will be, deeply committed.
AHEPA educates the community on these matters through symposia, forums, and conferences.
EDUCATION
AHEPA's commitment to education has been well documented throughout its history. Over $4 million is endowed at the local, district and national levels toward the use of scholarships and a half-million dollars is awarded annually. Thousands of young men and women have benefited as recipients of AHEPA scholarships at these various levels. The most famous recipient, perhaps, is ABC News' Host of This Week George Stephanopoulos.
The scholarship program at the national level is administered by the AHEPA National Educational Foundation. It offers scholarships to a wide variety of students. Recipients are: traditional and non-traditional students; seminarians, including those entering Holy Cross Greek School of Theology; and high school seniors, college and post-graduate students who are looking to become tomorrow's leaders.
The preservation of Hellenic or Classical Studies programs on college campuses is an important issue for the AHEPA Educational Foundation. A subcommittee of the Foundation, the Hellenic Cultural Commission, actively works to support the study of the Classics at universities.
In addition, educational programs such as "Journey to Greece" and Washington Internships are sponsored by the Foundation.
PHILANTHROPY
Philanthropy and volunteerism have been pillars of strength for AHEPA. From natural disaster relief to raising funds for the elimination of life-threatening diseases to making significant contributions to our local neighborhoods, AHEPA is at the forefront of charitable giving.
AHEPA's philanthropic deeds are evident in the restoration of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island; in the Halls of St. Basil Academy, a childcare facility in Garrison, N.Y.; in the care packages we sent to our troops in cooperation with the USO; and in the building of healthcare facilities in Greece. Yet this only scratches the surface of the numerous philanthropic works of the association. In addition, countless charitable projects are undertaken every year by AHEPA's chapters and districts.
FAMILY AND INDIVIDUAL EXCELLENCE
What makes AHEPA unique from other organizations is the creation of the AHEPA Family. Together with three affiliated organizations, the AHEPA Family works as a unit toward the fulfillment of a common mission. Combined, the four organizations have contributed well over a billion dollars to national projects throughout their history.
AHEPA D1 Advisory Board
AHEPA D1 CHAPTERS
CONTACT US
AHEPA District One, 2005 Country Ridge Circle Birmingham, AL 35243