The Kappa Beautillion , Inc. 2027
Leadership Training and Scholarship Program
The Kappa Beautillion, Inc. (KBI) was established by the Columbia Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. as a youth initiative of the Guide Right Program, the fraternity's national service program dedicated to the educational, personal, and professional development of young men.
Since its inception in 1989, KBI has provided a transformative experience for hundreds of participants throughout the Columbia area. The program's success has led to numerous Kappa Alpha Psi alumni chapters across the country to establish similar Beautillion programs modeled after KBI.
KBI exists to provide enriching extracurricular educational and leadership development experiences for junior and senior high school young men in the Columbia area. Conducted over several months outside the traditional classroom setting, the program complements formal education by preparing participants for success in college, their careers, and their communities.
Through structured mentorship, a comprehensive series of workshops and experiences—including SAT preparation, financial literacy, social and professional etiquette, health and wellness education, leadership development, and cultural and sporting events—participants develop the knowledge, confidence, and character needed to excel.
KBI is committed to instilling the values of academic excellence, integrity, service, leadership, and personal responsibility, empowering young men to become successful scholars, professionals, and community leaders.
Program Objectives
The Beautillion Program provides a structured environment in which high school young men are empowered through educational enrichment, leadership development, mentorship, workshops, seminars, and meaningful social experiences. The program is designed to help participants develop the knowledge, character, and confidence needed to succeed in college, their careers, and their communities.
Participants benefit from opportunities in the following areas:
• Educational seminars and interactive workshops
• Self-awareness and personal growth
• Leadership development and character building
• Recognition and development of individual strengths and potential
• Structured mentorship from accomplished professionals and community leaders
• Teamwork, collaboration, and effective communication
• Social, interpersonal, and professional etiquette skills
• College planning, selection, and career exploration
• College readiness and academic achievement
• Scholarship opportunities
• Fellowship with other high-achieving young men
• Community service and civic engagement
• An annual awards banquet and formal Beautillion Ball celebrating participants’ achievements
Benefits of Participation
Participants in the KBI Beautillion Program have the opportunity to:
• Increase self-awareness and self-confidence.
• Build meaningful relationships through positive peer and mentor interactions.
• Develop a strong network of peers, mentors, and community leaders.
• Foster a deeper understanding of community involvement, civic responsibility, and servant leadership.
• Gain exposure to educational, cultural, and life-skills experiences beyond the traditional classroom.
• Explore scholarship opportunities and resources that can help make college more affordable.
• Celebrate their growth and accomplishments during the Grand Finale Beautillion Ball, where each Beau is formally presented to the community in a time-honored rite of passage recognizing his commitment, achievement, and personal development.
How To Participate in This Program. Click the following link to complete the Beautillion Application.
History of Kappa Beautillion, Inc.
In 1989 members of Columbia (SC) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. were evaluating new ways to enhance its Guide Right Program. The Fraternity’s Guide Right Program is a national social outreach program that provides role models, mentors, and financial assistance for youth throughout the country. The late Brother James B. Hardy II (Co-founder of KBI) heard of an organization in Charleston, South Carolina sponsoring a beautillion program for
young men. Upon his suggestion, the Columbia (SC) Alumni Chapter agreed to sponsor a beautillion. The beautillion program would have similarities to the cotillion programs sponsored by sororities. Brother Ronald Drayton (Co-founder of KBI) consulted with members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. researching the details of hosting a beautillion. In 1989, a committee developed Columbia (SC) Alumni’s beautillion program. In 1990, the Columbia (SC) Alumni Chapter hosted the first Kappa Beautillion at Columbia’s Township Auditorium on April 19, 1990.
Ten young men completed the program and earned $2300.00 in scholarships. The Kappa Beautillion became incorporated in 1994 and received tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(3) educational organization in 1995.
The Kappa Beautillion, Inc. (KBI) program consists of a series of educational workshops.
Examples of these workshops include SAT/ACT test preparation; college admissions and financial aid; mental, spiritual, and physical health and wellness; interview skills and resume writing; social etiquette; law enforcement and public safety; public speaking; Black history and self-awareness, dress for success, financial literacy, civic and community service, and exposure to local corporate industry. Since its inception in 1989 KBI has graduated more than 350 high school students from twenty high schools in the greater Columbia, SC community. The scholarship program raises funding through corporate grants and individual donations. The primary source of funds is through the souvenir booklet advertisement and sponsorship sales. To date, KBI has awarded more than $150,000 in scholarships and awards. KBI stands strong in its motto of
“Developing Excellence in Young Men.” The success of the KBI program depends on the collective efforts of the fraternity members, the Beaux’s families, local area businesses, and support from the community. The KBI program design creates an environment that enables each participant the opportunity to raise funds for his college scholarship
How To Participate in This Program. Click the following link to complete the Beautillion Application.