National Educational Foundation

The National Educational Foundation of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., a 501(c) 3, is created and operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. The principle activities and purpose of the Foundation are to award scholarship grants to worthy students for the pursuit of higher education; to conduct community educational programs which will aid in the educational and vocational improvement in individual and community living standards; to engage in activities which will aid in the educational development of all women; and to engage in any appropriate research related to the purposes of the Foundation. For more information on how to apply for scholarships and grants through Zeta Phi Beta Sorority's National Educational Foundation, please visit www.ZPhiBNEF.org.

Human Genome Project

Begun formally in 1990, the U.S. Human Genome Project is a 13-year effort coordinated by the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Institutes of Health to (1) identify all the approximate 30,000 genes in human DNA; (2) determine the sequences of the 3 billion chemical base pairs that make up human DNA; (3) store this information in databases; (4) improve tools for data analysis; (5) transfer related technologies to the private sector; and (5) address the ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) that may arise from the project.

As leaders in academia, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority's National Educational Foundation was the first Greek lettered organization to address this issue of concern. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority has undertaken the responsibility to serve as a link between the scientific community and the general population - the people whom our local chapters serve in their communities. The Sorority believes that there is a continuing need in the minority communities for information on this important project, on the status of genetic research, for encouraging greater inquiry and involvement by minorities, and an appreciation of the societal implications of the knowledge gained from this research.

Whether from the perspective of health care, career interest, social and ethical implications, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority feels very strongly that a case should be made in lay terms for the inclusion of the African American community in our country's exploration into genome research. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority's National Educational Foundation is the lead on our Human Genome initiative. For more information on upcoming events with the Human Genome Project, please visit www.ZPhiBNEF.org.

Girl Power! - A Benchmark Program

"Girl Power!" is a multiphase, national public education campaign sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to help encourage and empower 9- to 14-year-old girls to make the most of their lives. Studies show that girls tend to lose self confidence and self worth during this pivotal age, becoming less physically active, performing less well in school, and neglecting their own interests and aspirations. It's during these years that girls become more vulnerable to negative outside influences and to mixed messages about risky behaviors.

In support of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Zeta Phi Beta supports and endorses this initiative by sponsoring activities that help pave the way for girls to build confidence, competence and pride in themselves in order to make more positive decisions in their lives.

Saturday Academy for Conflict Resolution - A Benchmark Program

The Sorority sponsors activities that feature interaction and role-playing and teaches children to refocus negative energies, as well as group activities or outings to promote trust and encourage unity.

National Geography Institute - A Benchmark Program

The Sorority sponsors programs to tutor children in geography and computer science. Some of the goals of this program are for children to expand their knowledge about their city, state, country and the world; thereby promoting a greater appreciation of different resources, languages and cultures.

Celebrating Life! - A National Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Program

The Celebrating Life Foundation (CLF) is a non-profit organization devoted to educating the African American community and women of color about the risk of breast cancer, to encouraging advancements in the early detection and treatment, and to improving survival rates among these women." Since its inception, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc has been on the forefront in the education and awareness of breast cancer - a disease that profoundly affects African-American women.

American Diabetes Association - African-American Project Team

The only African-American Greek-Letter organization on the Team, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. has been instrumental in promoting the Team's mission and goals to: (1) educate at least 500,000 African-Americans about the causes and effect of diabetes; (2) create $25 million in media impressions; (3) recruit and train volunteers to expand the program; and (4) establish at least 200 corporate partners.

National Oratorical Contest of Current Events - A Benchmark Program

This program provides youth the opportunity to perform research on current events that affect their lives and their futures and to use research findings to speak and influence others.

Adopt-An-Agency

Adopt-An-Agency is a community volunteerism initiative designed to encourage local chapters to assist other local organizations and agencies in providing service in their communities by providing valuable resources, i.e. financial, manpower, or information.