PURPOSE of the EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

​The Education Department is one of the major Co-Ed Departments of I.B.P.O.E.W. Its purpose is to plan and execute Elk programs to benefit the youth as applies to their education, with the goal of improving their quality of life.  For years, the Elk Oratorical Contests' has been one of the featured events.  Qualified students are invited to enter a contest at the local Lodge level. Winners progress through the District, State and Regional competition to the National contest.  The winner of the State Contest, if He/She competes at the Regional contest, is awarded a $1,500 Scholarship.  The winner at the Regional Contest, if He/She competes at the National contest, is awarded an additional $1,000 Scholarship.  The National contest winner is awarded an additional $7,500.00 Scholarship.  This winner is certified to receive the total winnings of $10,000 in Scholarship.  In addition, other awards are presented to participants at all oratorical contests depending on established policy at that level and location.
 
It is with great pride we note previous winners of the Elk Oratorical Contest include The Rev Dr. Martin Luther King, Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Dorothy I. Height, President & CEO, National Council of Negro Women, Inc.   Education Department. workers at every level strive to increase the amount of money the students receive, and we believe success is ahead. also, there is an effort to make our contest at every level more attractive to students in other ways.  The Local Education Committee is the key participant in this process since that is the first place the student is involved. 
 
Conferences, workshops, and regular meetings are held by the State Director and Directress to provide training and written materials to all Education Department workers.  These leaders are very much aware that in today's fast moving world we must continuously update the department procedures and materials to meet the current needs of our target, "the youth".
 
Everyone is invited and encouraged to support the Education Department.  There is plenty of room for YOU.  All assistance is appreciated and there is no such thing as too little or too much.