ENRICHING THE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Through the leadership of then-Grand Alpha Alfred H. Hutchinson, Xi 1909, the 1930 Chi Phi Congress created the Chi Phi Educational Trust for the purpose of assisting deserving students and promoting scholarship and leadership. Since then, it has become a vital part of the success of Chi Phi. Over the years, the Trust has benefited from the financial support of alumni via a number of gift options. Since the Trust is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization all gifts are tax deductible. In today's complex society, the Trust is focused upon "making a difference" through sponsorship of Fraternity-managed programs to equip Brothers with skills for personal and professional development. The Trust awards over $350,000 in educational and administrative grants for the benefit of the members of the Chi Phi Fraternity.

College of Excellence (COE)
The single largest Fraternity program supported by the Trust, a grant of $90,000 enables undergraduate and alumni members from across the country to convene every year for intensive leadership training that teaches them important skills to improve their individual chapters, while also helping them prepare to succeed in life after college.

Wilderness Academy
The Wilderness Academy consists of various seven-day outdoor adventure programs that teach enhanced personal leadership skills. Ten undergraduates and one alumni mentor participate in each academy.

Scholarships
The Trust provides $50,000 in merit-based scholarships each year through a grant to the Fraternity. Chi Phi members demonstrating strong academic performance, leadership, service, and future aspirations are eligible to receive Chi Phi's prestigious scholarship award.

Sparks Memorial Medal
At the conclusion of the academic year, the Trust awards the Sparks Memorial Medal to the brother in each chapter who has attained the highest scholastic standing for that year. Created in 1924 in honor of Edwin Erle Sparks, Alpha-Chi 1884, Iota 1884, president emeritus of Pennsylvania State College [now University] and a truly great Chi Phi, the Medal has served as Chi Phi's premier individual academic award.

Regional Programs
The Trust provides a significant grant to fund the educational portion of the Fraternity's regional leadership conferences held across the country. Brothers travel to a nearby chapter for a two-day educational experience tailored to the specific needs of the region.

Educational Initiatives and Outreach
The Trust provides an annual grant to cover the educational portion of the Fraternity's chapter visits and helps support the creation and distribution of educational materials, such as the New Member Manual.