JCPS 'Project Alpha' Aims to Guide Young Men on Relationships

The day-long conference provides education, motivation and skill-building on issues like consent, teen pregnancy and STDs.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:57am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a grid of diverse teenage boys' faces, representing the participants in the Project Alpha mentorship program.The Project Alpha conference provides a supportive space for young men to navigate the challenges of relationships and adolescence.Louisville Today

Jefferson County Public Schools has partnered with the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity to host 'Project Alpha', a conference that engages more than 100 young men ages 12-15 in discussions about relationships, consent, and other real-life situations they are facing. The goal is to create a supportive environment where the students can get accurate information and guidance on these important topics.

Why it matters

As teenagers navigate the changes of adolescence, including developing relationships and exploring their sexuality, programs like Project Alpha provide a valuable resource to ensure they have access to reliable information and a safe space to have open conversations. This is especially important given the prevalence of misinformation online and the need to promote healthy relationship dynamics.

The details

Project Alpha is a nationwide program that started in 1980. In the Louisville event, students participated in discussions led by mentors from the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity on topics like consent, teen pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases. The mentors aimed to give the young men accurate knowledge and guide them in shaping their responsibilities and identities as they grow.

  • The Project Alpha conference took place on Friday, March 28, 2026.

The players

Trevon Watts

The Alpha Lambda chapter chair of Alpha Phi Alpha, the fraternity partnering with JCPS on Project Alpha.

Janee White

The JCPS Youth Service Center Coordinator, who said the program gives young men a platform to have conversations about the real-life situations they are experiencing.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is where they found out who they are, their identities.”

— Trevon Watts, Alpha Lambda chapter chair of Alpha Phi Alpha

“Hormones are changing. Sexuality is being identified, love connections are being identified and branded. So they have a space where they can actually have those conversations and talk about the things that they're experiencing.”

— Janee White, JCPS Youth Service Center Coordinator

What’s next

Project Alpha plans to continue hosting the annual conference for JCPS students to provide ongoing support and guidance as they navigate relationships and adolescence.

The takeaway

Programs like Project Alpha play a vital role in empowering young men to develop healthy relationship dynamics and make informed decisions, especially as they face the challenges of growing up in the digital age. By creating a safe and supportive environment, these initiatives can have a lasting impact on the lives of participating students.