In the spring semester of 2009, nine chapters of Pi Kappa Phi completed AccessABILITY projects, which are independently constructed ramps built onto housing in the given chapter’s area. One of the lesser known projects of Push America, AccessABILITY is designed to provide a cost-free ramp to a family in need who may not be able to provide the ramp themselves. Once a Pi Kappa Phi chapter has found a contractor and recipient, Push America provides up to $1,000 for materials. These young men then sacrifice a weekend in order to complete the ramp.

When asked, Pi Kappa Phis who have participated in an AccessABILITY project will tell you that it was one of their most meaningful experiences as a member of the fraternity. Thomas Engel, Push America chairman at the University of North Dakota, said of his chapter’s AccessABILITY project, "The homeowner was extremely grateful for the work we did and our ability to complete it so quickly. We all found the day to be a great opportunity to enjoy time with the brothers while helping someone in need."

All together, Pi Kappa Phis saved the recipients of these ramps nearly $8,000 in material costs this semester.

"It was a great brotherhood event…the guys really enjoyed spending the day building a ramp with each other. By far, the best part was looking up at the window and seeing the smiling face of the girl for whom this ramp was being built. She watched us the entire day," said Ben Wagner, a member of Theta Iota (Washington State University).

Collegiate chapters are not forced into undertaking AccessABILITY projects, which makes their continued support of the program even more impressive. In the coming school year, we would like to see even more chapters take on such extraordinary projects. If your chapter would like to take on an AccessABILITY project this fall, please contact Patrick Manley, director of special events, at pmanley@pushamerica.org or (704) 504-2400 ext. 123.