Record-Breaking Fall 2025 Alpha Merit Badge University Inspires Nearly 300 Scouts with World-Class Instruction and Mentorship

//Georgia District.

Atlanta, GA – Saturday, September 27, 2025 — The Fall 2025 Alpha Merit Badge University (AMBU), hosted at Morehouse College, achieved record attendance and delivered a transformative day of learning, leadership, and advancement for nearly 300. Scouts, adult leaders, and parents, with over 350 total participants. This milestone event reflects the ongoing mission of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. – Eta Lambda Chapter to empower youth, particularly from underserved communities, through Scouting, education, and mentorship.

The Fall 2025 AMBU brought together 40 accomplished Merit Badge Counselors (MBCs) and 45 dedicated volunteers, providing Scouts with hands-on instruction and exposure to professional pathways across multiple disciplines.

An Unprecedented Gathering of Accomplished Counselors

This year’s AMBU featured one of the most distinguished groups of instructors in the program’s history, representing over 1,000 years of combined professional experience across industries including business, law, aviation, chemistry, nuclear science, medicine, engineering, information technology, government, public health, journalism, public speaking, robotics, scuba diving, and education.

Key highlights include:

• 21 members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. serving as Counselors and Instructors

• 8 Merit Badge Counselors with terminal degrees (M.D., Ph.D., J.D., Ed.D., etc.)

• 6 Legal Professionals, including judges, prosecutors, and general counsel

• 6 Medical Professionals, including physicians and psychiatrists

• 10 Engineers & Scientists, spanning civil, nuclear, environmental, aerospace, and IT fields

• 6 Eagle Scouts serving as role models and mentors

• 6+ Military Veterans, including Army pilots and Navy nuclear engineers

• 20–25 years average professional experience, with several exceeding 40 years

“AMBU continues to set the standard for advancement, equity, and leadership preparation,” said Dr. Derek Smith, Chair of the Alpha Merit Badge University. “Our Scouts don’t just earn badges—they gain access to world-class mentorship and the inspiration to reach their full potential.”

Impact and Legacy

Since its launch in 2023, the Alpha Merit Badge University has helped more than 30 Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor in Scouting. This year’s event furthered that legacy, equipping hundreds of youth with new skills, knowledge, and confidence to continue their advancement journey.

What Scouts and Parents Are Saying

Feedback from Scouts, parents, and adult leaders highlights the meaningful impact of this year’s program and the quality of instruction:

“Exceptional organization.”

“Learning how to grow my own business.”

“Getting to hear experiences from people working in the medical field.”

“I liked how interactive this was and how it connected to my daily life.”

“We were able to get through all of the requirements quickly and efficiently.”

“The instructors were fun, knowledgeable, and inspiring.”

“All the questions I could ask and get answered.”

“Gave me a deeper knowledge of careers in health.”

“I like working other people and seeing other people who look like me working together to similar goals.”

“The knowledge I gained will help me in school and beyond.”

“I loved that young black males got an opportunity to learn from other black leaders and experience an HBCU. I like that there was a diverse selection of merit badge classes.”

One parent shared this heartfelt reflection:

“I wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you for the event you put on yesterday. The length of the day definitely tested the limits of my 12-year-old's ADHD, but I know he enjoyed it and took a lot from the day. While waiting, I was seated near and listened in on the Home Repair Merit Badge class, and I wanted to say that the counselor for that MB class has a genuine talent for teaching. Thank you again for everyone's dedication and the effort it took to put on the Alpha Merit Badge University.” —Assistant Scoutmaster

About Alpha Merit Badge University (AMBU)

Founded in 2023 under the leadership of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. – Eta Lambda Chapter, the Alpha Merit Badge University is designed to increase the number of Eagle Scouts from underserved communities. Hosted on HBCU campuses, AMBU connects Scouts with professional mentors who embody the fraternity’s principles of Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for All Mankind. Through partnerships with Scouting America and community contributions from Chick-fil-A, Sam's Club, Dunkin' Donuts, BJ’s, and Costco, AMBU offers Scouts hands-on merit badge instruction, leadership

workshops, and access to accomplished professionals across diverse career fields.

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Contributor:

Brother Dr. Derek Smith | Eta Lambda

Chair, Alpha Merit Badge University

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