Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. • Theta Zeta Lambda Chapter
Outstanding Alumni Brother of the Year
Brother Matthew M. Coats is a builder, founder, organizer, and servant-leader whose Alpha work centers on sustainable community impact. Through the TZL Community & Education Initiative, he connects youth development, family support, civic education, governance, fundraising, partnerships, and long-term service under one Alpha-centered framework.
Impact at a Glance
A CEI-centered snapshot of measurable Alpha service.
Matthew’s record shows measurable leadership across CEI, ELMP, Caring & Sharing, TZL Empower, literacy collaboration, fundraising, partnerships, and long-term governance.
Problem
Youth, families, and communities need consistent mentoring, food security, civic education, and sustainable service infrastructure.
Action
Matthew built TZL CEI as the coordinating structure, organized Brothers and volunteers, strengthened governance, raised resources, and created clear systems for service delivery.
Impact
The work produced measurable outcomes across youth retention, family support, mentor engagement, fundraising, meals packed, and partnerships formed.
Sustainability
Matthew built CEI systems that continue beyond a single event or program year, including governance, onboarding, board activation, donor materials, financial transition planning, and program infrastructure.
Central Leadership Activity
TZL Community & Education Initiative is the leadership architecture behind Matthew’s Alpha impact.
CEI is not a side project. It is the sustainable structure Matthew built to organize youth development, family support, civic engagement, fundraising, governance, scholarship planning, wellness, volunteer systems, donor stewardship, and long-term community investment under one Alpha-centered framework.
Founder and Founding President
From programs to permanent infrastructure
Matthew led the creation and launch of TZL Community & Education Initiative and currently serves as its founding President. He guided CEI from concept to implementation by building the governance, board structure, committee framework, donor materials, financial transition planning, and operational systems needed to sustain the chapter’s community impact beyond a single program year.
- Led the creation and launch of TZL CEI as a nonprofit umbrella organization supporting youth development, family support, civic engagement, and community service programs.
- Recruited and developed a 10-member Board of Directors and guided the organization from concept to implementation.
- Established board meeting schedules, agendas, reporting structures, committee frameworks, and strategic planning processes.
- Coordinated preparations for independent nonprofit operations including banking, accounting, compliance, donor stewardship, fundraising systems, scholarship administration, and strategic planning.
- Planned the inaugural Community Partnership Luncheon to introduce stakeholders, donors, sponsors, and strategic partners to CEI and build long-term sustainability.
Governance and Systems Built
CEI shows executive leadership, not just event coordination.
Governance Documents
Developed constitution and bylaws, governance policies, board duties and job descriptions, board acceptance forms, conflict of interest policies, confidentiality agreements, board orientation materials, governance binders, and operational templates.
Committee Infrastructure
Created committee structures and charters so Brothers, board members, volunteers, and community partners can serve through defined roles, responsibilities, and accountability systems.
Board Activation
Led the Board Activation and Financial Transition Plan, creating a roadmap for governance readiness, operational sustainability, financial accountability, donor engagement, and long-term impact.
Resource Development
Developed donor engagement materials, sponsorship packets, impact reports, community presentations, and fundraising systems connected to CEI’s three-pillar mission.
Strategic Partnerships
Built the CEI platform to support partnerships with schools, nonprofits, funders, civic leaders, families, Divine Nine partners, and community stakeholders.
Scholarship and Future Growth
Prepared CEI to support scholarship administration, program expansion, donor stewardship, independent operations, and a sustainable community education pipeline.
CEI Across the Six Judging Criteria
CEI strengthens every scoring area.
Alpha Contributions
CEI turns Alpha service into lasting structure by aligning ELMP, Caring & Sharing, Empower, mentoring, service, fundraising, and community education under one organized platform.
Community Contributions
CEI expands community reach through youth leadership, family assistance, food security, literacy, civic education, partnerships, senior support, and volunteer engagement.
Awards and Achievements
CEI documents high-level achievement through nonprofit formation, board development, governance systems, donor materials, resource development, and measurable community impact.
Active Alpha Service
CEI shows current, active Alpha leadership rooted in long-term service through Theta Zeta Lambda Chapter and Matthew’s continued Life Member commitment.
Service to Brothers
CEI gives Brothers clearer ways to serve through committees, policies, volunteer systems, mentoring structures, meeting documents, fundraising tools, and program continuity.
Display and Interview
CEI demonstrates a clear leadership record built around problem-solving, action, measurable impact, sustainability, and service beyond the competition year.
Leadership First
Brother Matthew M. Coats is presented as a builder, founder, organizer, and servant-leader.
Matthew’s full leadership record is centered on CEI and supported by documented Alpha service, community impact, brotherhood support, fundraising, governance, civic education, and long-term sustainability.
Complete On-Page Record
Matthew’s resume details and 2025-2026 accomplishments are presented as one complete leadership record.
His leadership, service, systems, and results are documented directly on the page so the full scope of his work is visible without reducing major accomplishments to selected highlights.
Alpha Resume
Matthew Coats
Westland, Michigan
matthew.mm.coats@gmail.com | (734) 634-2140
Professional Summary
Strategic community leader, youth mentor, and program administrator with a proven record of building high-impact initiatives that strengthen young men, families, and communities. Experienced in program leadership, mentor development, budgeting, partnership cultivation, fundraising, and community outreach through Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Theta Zeta Lambda Chapter, and recognized for designing sustainable systems, leading mission-driven teams, and creating programs that advance academic success, leadership development, and long-term community empowerment.
Core Competencies
- Youth Development and Mentoring
- Program Leadership and Operations
- Strategic Planning and Implementation
- Community Outreach and Partnership Building
- Volunteer Coordination
- Budget Management and Financial Oversight
- College and Career Readiness Programming
- Event Planning and Fundraising
- Parent and Family Engagement
- Curriculum Development
- Public Speaking and Facilitation
- Governance and Organizational Leadership
Leadership and Community Impact
Youth Development and Mentorship Leadership
- Served in progressive leadership roles as Program Coordinator, Assistant Program Director, and Program Director for the Esquire Leadership and Mentoring Program, supporting young men ages 8 through 17 in academic achievement, leadership development, and personal growth across Washtenaw and Western Wayne Counties.
- Designed and led Success Seminars centered on life skills, academic excellence, financial literacy, public speaking, conflict resolution, college readiness, career exploration, and leadership development.
- Guided participants in creating life plans, resumes, and portfolios to prepare for future academic and career opportunities.
- Built a mentoring environment focused on confidence, accountability, self-discipline, and vision.
- Delivered programming aligned with all four Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. national programs: Brother’s Keeper; A Voteless People Is a Hopeless People; Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College; and Project Alpha.
- Developed a structured mentoring framework that paired Esquires with trained mentors for consistent guidance, accountability, and personal development.
- Created and implemented an On-Demand Tutoring Support Network to provide targeted academic support.
- Developed and implemented annual risk management mentor training for the Ann Arbor Esquires program.
- Managed individual Esquire portfolios, including academic records, resumes, life plans, and achievement tracking.
- Led college and career readiness efforts through resume workshops, mock interviews, college tours, and career exposure opportunities.
- Created and implemented an Engagement and Positive Reinforcement System to track attendance, academic progress, leadership behavior, and personal growth milestones.
- Oversaw curriculum planning, mentor coordination, parent communication, and performance tracking for more than 30 active participants.
- Facilitated reflective learning experiences through leadership circles, structured dialogue, and real-world exposure trips.
- Built strong partnerships with parents and guardians to reinforce growth and development beyond program sessions.
Leadership and Community Impact
Program Development and Strategic Leadership
- Served as Program Director and Assistant Program Director for ELMP, leading the planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of youth programming.
- Updated mentoring systems, engagement tracking tools, and recognition frameworks to measure growth and celebrate achievement.
- Supported the National Pan-Hellenic Council Power of Nine Literacy Project, advancing literacy, representation, and community engagement with elementary students.
- Helped position the Power of Nine Literacy Project for regional recognition when the NPHC Area II Coordinator selected the initiative for submission to National NPHC for publication consideration.
- Spearheaded initiatives connecting youth, families, and community partners to expand impact and sustainability.
Leadership and Community Impact
Community Service and Outreach
- Served as Co-Program Director for the Dr. Thomas A. Bass Caring and Sharing Food Basket Delivery Program, helping deliver essential resources to families during the holiday season.
- Coordinated seasonal food distribution efforts for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, serving hundreds of families through organized assembly and delivery operations.
- Led key logistics, including fundraising, budgeting, food sourcing, volunteer coordination, packing operations, and route planning.
- Strengthened partnerships with local organizations, schools, stores, and community stakeholders to increase program reach and secure resources.
- Organized Family Essentials Drives to collect hygiene items, cleaning supplies, and household necessities for underserved families.
- Developed a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters to expand Family Essentials Kits for youth-serving households and families connected to mentoring and community support networks.
- Supported senior outreach efforts through wellness checks, care package delivery, and relationship-based service.
- Engaged fraternity members, youth participants, and community volunteers in meaningful service opportunities that promoted a culture of giving.
- Helped raise more than $9,000 to sustain and expand Caring and Sharing programming.
- Contributed to building strong community trust and visibility for the program as a dependable support resource for families facing hardship.
- Served as an active Community Service Committee member supporting the planning and execution of service initiatives.
- Volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Leadership and Community Impact
Organizational Leadership and Governance
- Served as Chapter Vice President, helping guide strategic direction, operations, and member engagement.
- Supported chapter leadership by assisting with strategic planning, committee coordination, communication, and execution of major initiatives.
- Presided over meetings in the absence of the President while maintaining order and adherence to parliamentary procedure.
- Monitored committee progress and supported committee chairs to ensure alignment with chapter goals.
- Represented the chapter externally when designated, including work with collaborative organizations and councils.
- Served as Chapter Treasurer, overseeing financial management, accountability, and budgeting.
- Prepared and presented financial reports to executive leadership and chapter membership.
- Maintained accurate financial records across checking, savings, and investment accounts.
- Managed deposits, disbursements, and financial controls in accordance with approved budgets and chapter procedures.
- Chaired the Budget and Finance Committee and helped develop the annual budget.
- Promoted transparency, compliance, and sound stewardship in all financial operations.
- Advanced ELMP leadership through program planning, mentor coordination, youth engagement, parent communication, curriculum development, and measurable program outcomes.
Leadership and Community Impact
Event Planning and Fundraising
- Supported scholarship fundraising and event coordination through service on the Black and Gold Scholarship Ball Committee.
- Helped organize the TZL Blackout Cookout and other large-scale fellowship and community engagement events.
- Contributed to fundraising strategy and implementation through the Bowling Fundraiser Committee.
- Participated in the planning of events that strengthened community ties while generating support for scholarships and youth programming.
- Represented the organization during Alpha Day at the Capitol, advocating for education equity, healthcare access, and economic opportunity.
- Helped raise more than $9,000 for the Thomas A. Bass Caring and Sharing Basket Delivery Program.
- Helped raise more than $18,000 for ELMP, including support from a $5,100 November 2025 grant and a $7,500 June 2026 grant from the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation.
Affiliations
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Life Member
- NAACP, Silver Life Member
- National Society of Black Engineers
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan
- March of Dimes
- Parkridge Community Center
- Michigan Lupus Foundation
- National Pan Hellenic Council Power of Nine Literacy Project
Honors and Recognition
- TZL Outstanding Brother of the Year Award, 2026: Recognized for exemplary leadership, dedication to service, and meaningful contributions to youth development and community impact.
- 60th Charter Day Celebration, 2022: Recognition Award for commitment and dedicated service to the Theta Zeta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
- To Be An Alpha Man Award, 2017: For service and support to the Theta Zeta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
- TZL Outstanding Brother of the Year Award, 2010: Recognized for exemplary leadership, dedication to service, and meaningful contributions to youth development and community impact.
2025–2026 Professional Accomplishments & Community Leadership Summary
Complete accomplishment record with CEI leadership out front.
This section keeps the full accomplishment document on the page and organizes it around leadership, systems, community outcomes, and presentation readiness.
Executive Leadership & Organizational Development
TZL CEI is a primary leadership achievement.
- Led the creation and launch of the TZL Community & Education Initiative (CEI), a nonprofit umbrella organization supporting youth development, family support, civic engagement, and community service programs.
- Appointed and currently serving as the founding President of TZL CEI.
- Recruited and developed a 10-member Board of Directors, guiding the organization from concept to implementation.
- Developed and implemented the organization's governance structure, including constitution and bylaws, governance policies, board member duties and job descriptions, board acceptance forms, conflict of interest policies, confidentiality agreements, committee structures and charters, board orientation materials, governance binders, and operational templates.
- Led the development of the Board Activation and Financial Transition Plan, creating a comprehensive roadmap for organizational sustainability and operational readiness.
- Established board meeting schedules, agendas, reporting structures, committee frameworks, and strategic planning processes.
- Coordinated preparations for independent nonprofit operations, including banking, accounting, compliance, donor stewardship, fundraising systems, scholarship administration, and strategic planning.
Fundraising & Resource Development
Resources secured for youth, families, and sustainability.
- Helped secure and raise more than $27,800 through grants, sponsorships, donations, and fundraising activities.
- ELMP: $18,000+.
- Caring & Sharing: $9,800+.
- Secured two grants from the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation: $5,100 in November 2025 and $7,500 in June 2026.
- Planned and launched the inaugural Community Partnership Luncheon, designed to introduce community stakeholders, donors, sponsors, and strategic partners to TZL CEI and establish a foundation for long-term organizational growth and sustainability.
- Developed donor engagement materials, sponsorship packets, impact reports, and community presentations to support fundraising efforts.
Youth Leadership & Mentoring Program Leadership
ELMP program growth and retention.
- Served as Program Director for the Esquire Leadership and Mentoring Program (ELMP).
- Maintained a program enrollment of 36 registered Esquires and 32 active Esquires throughout the program year.
- Achieved a 96% retention rate, with 26 of 27 eligible Esquires returning for the 2026–2027 program year.
- Expanded enrollment to a full capacity of 40 Esquires for the 2026–2027 program year.
- Successfully graduated 5 Legacy Esquires.
- 3 Legacy Esquires received scholarships from the TZL scholarship fund.
- Engaged 35 trained and certified mentors, 24 active one-to-one mentoring relationships, and 35 actively involved parents and guardians.
Program Innovation & Curriculum Development
Systems that improved youth programming.
- Expanded the ELMP Information Packet from 12 pages to 24 pages, significantly improving program transparency and communication with families.
- Developed and implemented the Engagement & Positive Reinforcement System (EPRS), a comprehensive framework measuring academic performance, attendance and participation, leadership and conduct, college and career readiness, and personal growth and reflection.
- Established the ELMP recognition pathway featuring achievement levels, badges, jackets, and long-term leadership development benchmarks.
- Added Parent Outreach Team.
- Created and implemented the Junior Esquire Curriculum, expanding leadership development opportunities to younger participants.
- Developed and launched the History, Heritage, & Cultural Identity Series, providing structured cultural education and leadership discussions.
- Implemented the Etiquette (Project Alpha) Initiative, focusing on leadership development, personal responsibility, healthy decision-making, and life skills.
- Connected ELMP, Caring & Sharing, TZL Empower, and CEI operations to all four Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. national programs: Brother’s Keeper; A Voteless People Is a Hopeless People; Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College; and Project Alpha.
Educational & Career Readiness Partnerships
College, career, and workforce readiness.
- Implemented the "Get to High School, Go to College" college readiness initiative.
- Established a strategic partnership with the Washtenaw Intermediate School District Career and Technical Education (WISD-CTE) program.
- Expanded programming focused on college readiness, career exploration, resume development, interview preparation, leadership development, and workforce readiness.
Community Service & Family Support Leadership
Caring & Sharing Program.
- As Co-Program Director of the Dr. Thomas A. Bass Caring & Sharing Program, led efforts that served 267 families through food basket distributions and gift card assistance.
- Served 170 families during Thanksgiving outreach, 57 families during Christmas outreach, and 40 families during Spring outreach.
- Honored and supported 10 widows through holiday visitation and recognition efforts.
- Coordinated adoption and support of two YoungLives families during the Christmas season.
- Led the assembly and distribution of 40 Family Essentials Hygiene Kits to Hope Clinic.
- Expanded Family Essentials planning through a BBBS partnership designed to provide hygiene, household, and essential support kits to families connected to youth mentoring and community care.
- Raised more than $9,800 to support food security and family assistance efforts.
Food Security & Hunger Relief
Service through Food Gatherers, NorthRidge Church, and Feed My Starving Children.
- Coordinated volunteer efforts that sorted 1,003 pounds of food through Food Gatherers.
- Helped provide the equivalent of approximately 836 meals for local families experiencing food insecurity.
- Participated in the Million Meals Project in partnership with NorthRidge Church and Feed My Starving Children.
- Contributed to a volunteer effort that packed approximately 137,000 meals during a single service session.
- Supported a community initiative working toward a goal of 1,000,000 meals for children facing hunger globally.
Community Expansion Initiatives
Future-facing service programs launched or developed.
- Developed and launched future-facing community service initiatives including the Family Essentials Drive, the BBBS Family Essentials Kits partnership, Senior Connections Program, Winter Attire & Toys for Tots Drive, Christmas Family Sponsorship Program, and Community CPR & AED Certification Initiative.
Community Partnerships & Systems Development
Year-round food access, essentials support, and volunteer systems.
- Developed a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters to expand the Family Essentials Kits initiative and connect Caring & Sharing support with families served through youth mentoring networks.
- Initiated and led planning efforts with Food Gatherers to establish a year-round food distribution partnership.
- Developed a proposed operational model utilizing Ypsilanti Community Middle School as a community food distribution hub.
- Coordinated planning involving Food Gatherers, Ypsilanti Community Middle School, Caring & Sharing leadership, and community volunteers.
- Developed expansion plans integrating the Family Essentials Program, Senior Connections Program, year-round food access, and volunteer engagement systems.
Civic Engagement & Community Education
Founder and Lead Organizer – TZL Empower.
- Created and launched TZL Empower as a community civic education and area advocacy initiative focused on voter education, civic participation, public issue awareness, and nonpartisan community engagement.
- Developed Empower as a four-community advocacy platform serving Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Township, and Pittsfield Township through education, resources, public forums, and community-centered issue awareness.
- Built the Empower strategy around helping residents understand local government, ballot decisions, public policy issues, civic responsibility, and the connection between informed voters and stronger communities.
- Developed program mission and vision, community outreach strategies, educational resources, civic engagement materials, website content, and public communications.
- Planned and organized the inaugural Empower Civic Education Symposium scheduled for Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Washtenaw Community College, Liberal Arts Building, College Theater, Room 140.
- Secured participation and outreach efforts involving Mayor Christopher Taylor of Ann Arbor, Mayor Nicole Brown of Ypsilanti, State Representative Morgan Foreman, and State Representative Jimmy Wilson Jr.
- Designed a comprehensive nonpartisan educational forum addressing government structure, housing and affordability, public safety, workforce development, education, legislative issues, ballot understanding, and civic participation.
Digital Transformation & Communications
Websites, packets, materials, and communication systems.
- Modernized and upgraded the ELMP and Caring & Sharing websites.
- Designed and launched new websites for TZL Community & Education Initiative and TZL Empower.
- Created comprehensive information packets for ELMP, Caring & Sharing, TZL Empower, and TZL Community & Education Initiative.
- Developed marketing materials, sponsorship presentations, donor packets, impact reports, and community outreach resources.
- Created tutoring program for ELMP.
Academic support model created and implemented.
Matthew created an on-demand tutoring support network for the Ann Arbor Esquire Leadership and Mentoring Program to provide targeted academic support when Esquires need additional help in a specific subject or skill area. The model gives the program a trusted pool of academic support resources without requiring weekly or ongoing tutoring from every mentor.
The support model connects identified academic needs with mentor expertise through a structured coordination process. Families, mentors, and program leadership can identify academic concerns, while the Program Coordinator matches Esquires with mentors based on subject knowledge, grade level, availability, and preferred session format.
The tutoring network supports homework help, concept review, test preparation, organization, and study skills through short-term, purpose-driven academic support. Sessions may take place in person or by Zoom depending on the need and mentor availability.
This approach allows mentors to make a meaningful impact without being overextended. It strengthens academic accountability, reinforces confidence, and adds another layer of support to the program’s leadership and mentoring framework.
Regional Literacy & Educational Partnerships
NPHC D9 Literacy Project.
Matthew represented TZL and Alpha Phi Alpha in the Ann Arbor NPHC Power of Nine Literacy Project, helping shape the effort into a year-round reading initiative built around six connected literacy components. The work moved beyond a single book drive by creating a calendar of reading access, school engagement, family learning, cultural storytelling, student discussion, and civic education.
- Community Book Distribution Events: Supported book access through community events and school-based opportunities, including planned distribution moments connected to the YCS Back-to-School Bash, Carpenter School Brighter Day, and the NPHC Easter Egg Hunt.
- Children’s Storytelling Programs: Helped plan culturally meaningful storytelling experiences, including a Kwanzaa season storytelling event that allows children to see themselves represented in both the stories and the adults reading them.
- Monthly Reading Initiatives: Supported a school-year reading model where Divine Nine organizations rotate monthly reading assignments and create consistent classroom and library engagement.
- Book-to-Movie Clubs: Helped develop fall and winter semester reading experiences that connect books, film, discussion, comprehension, media literacy, and cultural understanding.
- Family Life Literacy Workshops: Supported family-centered learning that connects reading with practical life skills, health, nutrition, household resources, and parent engagement.
- Civic and Voter Education Programming: Helped connect literacy to civic understanding through nonpartisan education, including virtual voter education opportunities for families and community members.
- Coordinated planning efforts with community organizations, schools, museums, literacy advocates, and Divine Nine partners to establish a sustainable literacy structure.
- Contributed to the Power of Nine Literacy Project receiving regional recognition through NPHC Area II and selection for National NPHC publication consideration.
Measurable Community Impact (2025–2026)
Full metric record.
- 36 youth enrolled in Esquire Leadership and Mentoring Programming.
- 35 mentors trained, with 24 active mentors.
- 35 active parents and guardians involved.
- 337+ families directly impacted through community service initiatives.
- $27,800+ raised to support youth, families, and community programs.
- 1,003 pounds of food sorted.
- 836 meals generated through food recovery efforts.
- 137,000 meals packed through hunger-relief initiatives.
- 40 hygiene kits assembled and distributed.
- 10 widows honored and supported.
- 2 families adopted through YoungLives.
- 96% ELMP retention rate.
- 40 Esquires enrolled for the 2026–2027 program year.
- 10-member nonprofit board established and activated.
- Multiple new community programs launched or under development.
Result: Successfully led the growth of mentoring, community service, civic engagement, literacy, governance, fundraising, and nonprofit infrastructure initiatives that strengthened youth outcomes, supported families, expanded community partnerships, and positioned TZL CEI for long-term organizational sustainability and impact.
Leadership Statement
Building Leaders. Strengthening Families. Empowering Communities.
Brother Matthew M. Coats’ 2025-2026 leadership record is anchored in a clear theme: building leaders, strengthening families, and empowering communities. His work reflects more than participation in events; it reflects the creation of systems, structures, partnerships, and programs that strengthen Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Theta Zeta Lambda Chapter, and the broader community.
- Building Leaders: Led the growth and transformation of the Esquire Leadership & Mentoring Program through mentor training, curriculum expansion, student recognition, college and career readiness, cultural identity, tutoring support, and measurable youth outcomes.
- Strengthening Families: Advanced the Dr. Thomas A. Bass Caring & Sharing Program through food distributions, Family Essentials Kits, the BBBS partnership, widows support, YoungLives assistance, senior connections, volunteer logistics, and community partnerships.
- Empowering Communities: Expanded civic education, area advocacy, literacy collaboration, public issue awareness, voter education, resource development, and nonpartisan engagement through TZL Empower, the NPHC D9 Literacy Project, and CEI-aligned community programming.
- Building Sustainability: Founded and led TZL Community & Education Initiative as a nonprofit umbrella structure with board development, governance systems, committee frameworks, donor materials, financial transition planning, and long-term organizational infrastructure.
Official Scoring Alignment
Reconfigured around the Outstanding Alumni Brother of the Year criteria.
Each section documents one scoring category and connects Matthew’s accomplishments to supporting evidence.
1
Contributions to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. at all levels
Founding TZL CEI, ELMP leadership, Caring & Sharing Co-Program Director leadership, BBBS Family Essentials Kits partnership, committee work, Alpha Day at the Capitol, national program alignment, Life Membership, and cross-organizational Alpha representation.
2Contributions to community
CEI-led mentoring, family support, food security, literacy, Empower area advocacy, civic education, service partnerships, and direct community impact.
3Awards and achievements
Formal recognition, CEI formation, board development, regional recognition for the Power of Nine Literacy Project, grant success, program growth, measurable outcomes, and documented achievements.
4Years of active participation in Alpha
Documented active service milestones from 2010 through 2026, including Life Membership, continuing chapter service, and current CEI presidential leadership.
5Personal progress and service to Alpha brothers and chapters
Progressive leadership, CEI governance systems, mentoring systems, chapter operations, financial stewardship, committee support, and brotherhood-centered service.
6National display and interview
A neat, logical, relevant, and attractive presentation of CEI, Alpha service, community impact, measurable outcomes, and long-term sustainability.
Criterion 1
Contributions to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. at all levels.
Matthew’s Alpha contributions are presented through CEI-centered leadership, ELMP program growth, Caring & Sharing family support leadership, the BBBS Family Essentials Kits partnership, committee service, advocacy, governance, and documented alignment with all four Alpha Phi Alpha National Programs.
Alpha Leadership
Chapter leadership, CEI leadership, and operational service
- Founder and Founding President, TZL CEI: led the creation and launch of the nonprofit umbrella structure connecting ELMP, Caring & Sharing, TZL Empower, scholarship planning, governance, fundraising, and community partnerships.
- Co-Program Director, Dr. Thomas A. Bass Caring & Sharing Program: helped lead one of the chapter’s signature family support and food security programs through seasonal basket deliveries, Family Essentials Kits, the BBBS partnership, widows support, senior connections, fundraising, volunteer coordination, and community partnerships.
- Chapter Vice President: supported strategic direction, committee coordination, member engagement, external representation, and presided when needed.
- Chapter Treasurer: provided financial oversight, reports, deposits, disbursements, budget accountability, and stewardship.
- Budget and Finance Committee Chair: helped develop the annual budget and promote transparent financial controls.
- ELMP Program Director: led the Esquire Leadership and Mentoring Program through youth development, mentor coordination, parent communication, program planning, curriculum growth, recognition systems, and measurable participant outcomes.
- Community Service Committee: supported the planning and execution of major service initiatives.
TZL CEI Founder and President
Built the organization that brings Alpha-aligned community programs under one sustainable structure, including governance, board development, donor stewardship, strategic planning, and financial transition systems.
ELMP Program Director
Led the planning, delivery, curriculum development, parent communication, mentor coordination, and performance tracking for more than 30 active participants.
Caring & Sharing Co-Program Director
Co-led the Dr. Thomas A. Bass Caring & Sharing Program, strengthening the chapter’s Alpha service through food basket deliveries, Family Essentials Kits, the BBBS partnership, senior and widows support, volunteer engagement, fundraising, and food security partnerships.
All Four National Programs
Connected ELMP, Caring & Sharing, TZL Empower, and CEI to Brother’s Keeper, A Voteless People Is a Hopeless People, Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College, and Project Alpha.
State-Level Advocacy
Represented the organization during Alpha Day at the Capitol, advocating for education equity, healthcare access, and economic opportunity.
Life Member Commitment
Maintains Alpha commitment as a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., with continued service through Theta Zeta Lambda Chapter.
Cross-Council Collaboration
Represented Alpha in the Ann Arbor NPHC Power of Nine Literacy Project, strengthening literacy planning across Divine Nine organizations and supporting a project selected through NPHC Area II for National NPHC publication consideration.
Chapter Visibility
Strengthened public-facing Alpha impact through websites, program materials, impact reports, donor packets, and community presentations.
Criterion 2
Contributions to community through service, civic engagement, family support, and education.
This section elevates the breadth of community work documented across CEI, mentoring, food security, literacy, civic education, family support, and community partnerships.
TZL Community & Education Initiative
Created the umbrella organization that coordinates community education, mentoring, family support, civic engagement, fundraising, scholarship planning, wellness, and community service into one sustainable model.
Esquire Leadership & Mentoring Program
Supported young men ages 8 through 17 through mentoring, academic achievement, leadership development, life plans, resumes, portfolios, career readiness, and personal growth.
Caring & Sharing
As Co-Program Director, helped serve 267 families through Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring outreach, while honoring 10 widows and supporting two YoungLives families.
Food Security
Coordinated or supported efforts that sorted 1,003 pounds of food, generated approximately 836 meals, and packed approximately 137,000 meals during a single service session.
Family Essentials and BBBS Partnership
Led the assembly and distribution of 40 Family Essentials Hygiene Kits to Hope Clinic and expanded the model through a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters to support families connected to mentoring and youth-serving networks.
TZL Empower
Created a civic education and area advocacy initiative focused on Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Township, and Pittsfield Township, with voter education, civic participation, public issue awareness, and the Empower Civic Education Symposium.
D9 Literacy Project
Helped develop the Power of Nine Literacy Project as a year-round reading initiative with six connected components: book distribution, children’s storytelling, monthly reading, Book-to-Movie Clubs, family life literacy workshops, and civic education. The project received regional recognition through NPHC Area II.
Community Partnerships
Built and strengthened relationships with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Food Gatherers, WISD-CTE, Hope Clinic, YoungLives, NorthRidge Church, NPHC partners, parents, schools, and civic stakeholders.
Direct Volunteer Service
Served through organizations and affiliations including Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, March of Dimes, Parkridge Community Center, and Michigan Lupus Foundation.
Area Advocacy and Civic Education
TZL Empower: a year-round strategy for informed communities and stronger civic participation.
Matthew created TZL Empower to help residents move from awareness to understanding to action. The initiative centers nonpartisan civic education, area advocacy, voter readiness, public issue learning, and community forums across Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Township, and Pittsfield Township.
Matthew’s strategy for Empower
His strategy is to make civic education practical, local, and continuous. Empower connects residents with trusted information, creates space for direct public dialogue, explains how government decisions affect everyday life, and prepares the community to participate beyond election season. The work is designed as a year-round platform, not a one-time event.
Area Advocacy Focus
Centers advocacy and education in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Township, and Pittsfield Township so the initiative reflects the communities most directly connected to Theta Zeta Lambda’s local service footprint.
Empower Civic Education Symposium
Scheduled the inaugural symposium for Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Washtenaw Community College, Liberal Arts Building, College Theater, Room 140.
Nonpartisan Public Forum
Built the symposium as a civic education Q&A forum where community members can hear from public officials, ask informed questions, and better understand local and state government.
Issue Education
Developed programming around government structure, housing and affordability, public safety, workforce development, education, legislative issues, ballot understanding, and civic participation.
Voter Readiness
Uses education, resources, public communication, and community engagement to help residents understand ballot decisions, voting responsibilities, and the importance of informed participation.
Year-Round Civic Platform
Positions Empower as a continuing community resource through website content, educational materials, symposium planning, partner outreach, and CEI-aligned advocacy work throughout the year.
Leadership significance
TZL Empower expands Matthew’s record beyond program management into public-facing civic leadership. It demonstrates his ability to build a platform, organize public education, connect stakeholders, and create a sustainable model for informed community advocacy.
Criterion 3
Awards, recognition, and documented achievements.
This section combines formal awards with quantifiable achievements that demonstrate leadership effectiveness.
Founded and Launched TZL CEI
Established the nonprofit umbrella organization, recruited a 10-member board, created governance infrastructure, and positioned ELMP, Caring & Sharing, and TZL Empower for long-term sustainability.
TZL Outstanding Brother of the Year Award
Recognized for exemplary leadership, dedication to service, youth development, and meaningful community impact.
Regional Recognition: Power of Nine Literacy Project
The D9 Literacy Project received regional recognition when the NPHC Area II Coordinator selected the Power of Nine Initiative for submission to National NPHC for consideration in an upcoming national publication. The recognition highlighted a year-round literacy model built around six initiatives: book distribution, children’s storytelling, monthly reading, Book-to-Movie Clubs, family life literacy workshops, and civic education.
60th Charter Day Celebration Recognition
Received recognition for commitment and dedicated service to Theta Zeta Lambda Chapter.
To Be An Alpha Man Award
Recognized for service and support to Theta Zeta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
TZL Outstanding Brother of the Year Award
Recognized for exemplary leadership, dedication to service, and meaningful contributions to youth development and community impact.
Criterion 4
Years of active participation in Alpha at all documented levels.
The record shows sustained Alpha service over multiple years, with documented recognition from 2010 through 2026 and current active leadership through Theta Zeta Lambda Chapter.
TZL Community & Education Initiative
Current Alpha-centered leadership role advancing governance, fundraising, scholarship planning, community partnerships, and sustainable program operations.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Documented Life Member status and continued service through chapter leadership, mentoring, community service, fundraising, and public-facing Alpha programs.
Theta Zeta Lambda Chapter
Served in progressive leadership and committee roles including Vice President, Treasurer, Budget and Finance Chair, Community Service Committee member, ELMP leadership, and Caring & Sharing leadership.
Alpha Day at the Capitol
Participated in advocacy centered on education equity, healthcare access, and economic opportunity.
National Program Priorities
Matthew’s work aligns with all four Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. National Programs and demonstrates how his leadership connects chapter service to national priorities.
- Brother’s Keeper: Caring & Sharing, senior connections, widows support, Family Essentials Kits, food security outreach, and support for vulnerable families and community members.
- A Voteless People Is a Hopeless People: TZL Empower, area advocacy, voter education, civic readiness, public issue education, and the Empower Civic Education Symposium scheduled for September 10, 2026.
- Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College: ELMP academic support, college and career readiness, life planning, resume and interview preparation, WISD-CTE exposure, mentoring, and scholarship preparation.
- Project Alpha: ELMP’s Etiquette and Project Alpha programming, leadership development, responsibility, healthy decision-making, relationships education, self-discipline, and informed choices for young men.
Criterion 5
Personal progress among and service to Alpha brothers and chapters.
Matthew’s progress is shown through expanding responsibility, stronger systems, service to Brothers, and leadership that helps the chapter function better.
Leadership Growth
From service participation to systems-building leadership
- Moved through progressive ELMP leadership roles as Program Coordinator, Assistant Program Director, and Program Director.
- Developed mentor training, risk management systems, portfolio tracking, recognition pathways, and parent engagement practices.
- Supported Brothers by creating clear structures for volunteering, mentoring, service delivery, meeting documentation, and program continuity.
- Helped organize fellowship and fundraising events including the Black and Gold Scholarship Ball Committee, TZL Blackout Cookout, and Bowling Fundraiser Committee.
- Led governance and financial transition work through TZL CEI so the chapter’s community programs become stronger, more transparent, and more sustainable.
Brotherhood Infrastructure
Created CEI systems that help Brothers serve with clarity through defined committees, governance materials, volunteer pathways, donor tools, program packets, and accountability practices.
Mentor Development
Created and implemented annual risk management mentor training and developed a structured mentor framework.
Financial Stewardship
Provided budget management, financial reports, disbursement controls, and transparent financial practices as Treasurer and finance leader.
Chapter Operations
Assisted with strategic planning, committee coordination, meeting order, member engagement, and execution of major initiatives.
Brotherhood Service
Helped Brothers serve more effectively through shared tools, organized programs, clear communications, and coordinated volunteer opportunities.
Criterion 6
National display and interview: neat, logical, relevant, and attractive.
Matthew’s display and interview materials present a clear leadership record anchored in CEI infrastructure, measurable service, program growth, governance, and documented outcomes.
Measurable Alpha service
TZL CEI founded, 10-member board developed, $27,800+ raised, 337+ families impacted, 36 youth served, 35 mentors engaged, 137,000 meals packed, and 96% retention.
Systems-building record
Matthew connected community needs to Alpha action by building CEI systems that organize mentoring, family support, civic engagement, partnerships, governance, and sustainability.
Three pillars
Building Leaders, Strengthening Families, and Empowering Communities organize his work into a clear, memorable, and mission-centered leadership framework.
Documents and visuals
The evidence center includes the resume, accomplishments, program packets, impact materials, literacy minutes, and gallery images supporting the full leadership record.
Leadership Close
Why Brother Matthew M. Coats is an Outstanding Alumni Brother of the Year candidate
Brother Matthew M. Coats’ record reflects a year of building systems that outlive one event, one committee, or one program year. Through the TZL Community & Education Initiative, he organized mentoring for young men, supported families, expanded civic engagement, developed community partnerships, strengthened governance, raised resources, and built sustainable structures that strengthen the chapter’s impact for years to come.
- Building Leaders through CEI: ELMP growth, mentor development, cultural identity, college and career readiness, tutoring support, and student recognition.
- Strengthening Families through CEI: Caring & Sharing, family essentials, food security, widows honored, senior support, and YoungLives support.
- Empowering Communities through CEI: TZL Empower, D9 Literacy, civic education, partnerships, governance, fundraising, and resource development.
CEI Framework
The three pillars of Matthew’s Alpha impact are CEI’s operating model.
The three-pillar framework reflects CEI’s operating model and Matthew’s leadership identity: building leaders, strengthening families, and empowering communities.
Build Leaders
CEI builds leaders through ELMP growth, mentoring systems, student leadership development, Success Seminars, cultural identity, tutoring, and measurable youth progress.
Strengthen Families
CEI strengthens families through Caring & Sharing distributions, Family Essentials Kits, the BBBS partnership, widows honored, YoungLives family support, senior connections, food security partnerships, and dignity-centered service.
Empower Communities
CEI empowers communities through TZL Empower, civic education, voter education, public issue awareness, literacy collaboration, community forums, and data-informed engagement.
Program Ecosystem
Programs advanced through Alpha-centered leadership.
TZL Community & Education Initiative
The umbrella leadership platform that unifies education, service, advocacy, mentoring, scholarship planning, wellness, family support, fundraising, governance, and community investment under one sustainable model.
Visit TZLCEI.orgAnn Arbor Esquires Leadership & Mentoring Program
Develops young men through mentoring, service, leadership practice, family engagement, academic support, college readiness, and measurable growth.
Visit A2Esquires.orgDr. Thomas A. Bass Caring & Sharing Program
Strengthens families, honors elders, uplifts children, and builds healthier communities through food baskets, Family Essentials Kits, the BBBS partnership, senior connections, and food security partnerships.
Visit TZLCaringSharing.orgTZL Empower
Strengthens communities through voter registration, voter education, civic participation, public policy awareness, symposium planning, and nonpartisan engagement.
Visit TZLEmpower.orgBuilding Leaders
ELMP transformation and youth development evidence.
Matthew did not simply maintain a youth program. He strengthened enrollment, retention, mentor training, parent engagement, recognition systems, and curriculum depth.
Program Growth
36 registered Esquires, 32 active participants, 35 trained mentors, 24 one-to-one mentor relationships, and 35 engaged parents and guardians.
Retention and Continuity
Achieved a 96% retention rate and expanded enrollment to 40 Esquires for the 2026–2027 program year.
EPRS Recognition System
Created the Engagement and Positive Reinforcement System to track attendance, academic progress, leadership behavior, and personal growth milestones.
Curriculum Expansion
Developed Junior Esquire curriculum, History, Heritage, and Cultural Identity Series, Etiquette and Project Alpha, and college and career readiness sessions.
Academic Support
Created an On-Demand Tutoring Support Network that connects Esquires with mentors when targeted academic support is needed.
WISD-CTE Partnership
Established career and technical education exposure to support workforce readiness, career exploration, and future planning.
Literacy and Collaboration
Ann Arbor NPHC Power of Nine Literacy Project.
Matthew represented Alpha Phi Alpha in the Ann Arbor NPHC Power of Nine Literacy Project and helped advance the work as a year-round reading initiative. The project is built around six connected initiatives that combine book access, school reading, cultural storytelling, family learning, student discussion, and civic education.
From one-time service to year-round literacy infrastructure
The Power of Nine Literacy Project was developed to keep reading visible throughout the school year and across the community. Matthew’s involvement helped support a structure where Divine Nine organizations, schools, families, libraries, museums, and community partners can work together through scheduled activities instead of isolated events.
Community Book Distribution Events
Expands access to age-appropriate and culturally responsive books through community events and school-connected opportunities, including the YCS Back-to-School Bash, Carpenter School Brighter Day, and NPHC Easter Egg Hunt.
Children’s Storytelling Programs
Creates meaningful storytelling experiences, including a Kwanzaa season event, so children can see themselves reflected in the stories being read and in the leaders reading to them.
Monthly Reading Initiatives
Builds consistent school-year engagement through rotating Divine Nine reading assignments, classroom visits, library reading opportunities, and recurring student exposure to caring adult readers.
Book-to-Movie Clubs
Connects reading comprehension, discussion, media literacy, and cultural understanding through fall and winter semester book-to-movie experiences.
Family Life Literacy Workshops
Brings literacy into family life by connecting reading with practical learning around health, nutrition, household resources, parent engagement, and everyday decision-making.
Civic and Voter Education Programming
Connects literacy to civic understanding through nonpartisan voter education and community learning opportunities that help families better understand public issues and participation.
Regional Recognition
The Power of Nine Literacy Project received regional recognition through NPHC Area II and was selected for National NPHC publication consideration, reflecting the strength of the collaborative year-round literacy model.
Evidence Center
Supporting documentation organized around Matthew’s full leadership record.
These documents support his leadership record across Alpha service, community impact, governance, program development, fundraising, civic engagement, and sustainability.
Primary Documents
Competition overview, resume, and accomplishments.
Updated Source
2025–2026 Professional Accomplishments & Community Leadership Summary
Detailed evidence of CEI creation, founding presidential leadership, fundraising, board development, ELMP growth, Caring & Sharing impact, BBBS Family Essentials Kits partnership development, civic engagement, digital transformation, literacy work, partnerships, and measurable outcomes.
Updated Source
Alpha Resume: Matthew Coats
Summarizes Alpha leadership, CEI governance, community service, program development, affiliations, and awards relevant to the Outstanding Alumni Brother of the Year criteria.
Youth Development Evidence
ELMP structure, reflection, recognition, and program documentation.
Portfolio
ELMP Leadership Reflection & Evidence Portfolio
Supports the narrative of youth development, program systems, leadership reflection, and evidence-based mentoring.
Program Packet
ELMP Information Packet Version 5
Documents the expanded program model, expectations, components, goals, mentoring structure, and family communication.
Community and Sustainability Evidence
Family support, civic engagement, and long-term organizational infrastructure.
Family Support
Caring & Sharing Information Packet
Evidence of direct family support, seasonal distributions, food security, Family Essentials Kits, BBBS partnership development, and service infrastructure.
Civic Engagement
TZL Empower Information Packet
Documents the civic education platform, area advocacy strategy, September 10 Empower Civic Education Symposium, voter education, public issue learning, and community engagement goals.
Governance
TZL Community & Education Initiative Packet
Central evidence for Matthew’s founding leadership, nonprofit structure, board development, governance system, program alignment, fundraising readiness, and long-term community impact planning.
Leadership Record
Organizational Builder
Matthew built CEI as a sustainable Alpha-centered system with governance, mentoring frameworks, donor materials, recognition pathways, partnerships, board activation, financial transition planning, and community operations.
D9 Literacy Records
Collaborative planning documentation and minutes.
Power of Nine Collaboration
D9 Literacy Project Meeting Records
Documents planning around the six-initiative year-round literacy model: book distribution, children’s storytelling, monthly reading, Book-to-Movie Clubs, family life literacy workshops, civic education, Alpha representation, and the regional recognition that led to National NPHC publication consideration.
Regional Recognition
Area II to National NPHC Consideration
The Power of Nine Literacy Project was selected through NPHC Area II for submission to National NPHC publication consideration, reflecting the regional value of a six-initiative, year-round literacy model.
- NPHC Area II selected the initiative for National NPHC publication consideration.
- Recognition highlighted cross-council literacy collaboration across book access, storytelling, monthly reading, Book-to-Movie Clubs, family life literacy, and civic education.
- Matthew represented Alpha Phi Alpha in the planning and documentation of the initiative.
Alpha Impact Gallery
Selected visuals tied directly to Alpha service and program impact.
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Brother Matthew M. Coats
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. • Theta Zeta Lambda Chapter