AMBU History & Timeline — Watch Our Journey
A Legacy of Leadership and Service
Explore the milestones that have shaped Alpha Merit Badge University into a beacon of inspiration and growth for Scouts across the nation.
- Commitment to Excellence
- Empowering Future Leaders
- Building Strong Communities
- Innovating Scouting Education
Milestones in AMBU’s Evolution
Trace the pivotal moments that have defined AMBU’s path, from its inception to its current impact on the Scouting community.
- 2015
Alpha–BSA Partnership Foundation
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Boy Scouts of America established a formal Memorandum of Understanding, creating a national partnership focused on expanding Scouting access, youth leadership, educational programs, adult volunteer engagement, and service in underserved communities. This agreement became the foundation for Alpha chapters to strengthen Scouting participation and support youth advancement.
- 2023
Launch of Alpha Merit Badge University
Alpha Merit Badge University (AMBU) was launched by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. – Eta Lambda Chapter in Atlanta as a one-day Scouting advancement and leadership development initiative with the mission to enhance Scouting experiences through educational opportunities. The inaugural AMBU event was held at Morehouse College on September 30, 2023, serving approximately 150 Scouts, parents, and leaders. The program introduced a powerful model combining merit badge classes, college exposure, mentoring, leadership development, and support toward Eagle Scout advancement.
- 2024 – 2025
Growth and Expanded Impact
AMBU returned to Morehouse College in 2024 & 2025 with expanded participation, serving approximately 250 & 350 Scouts, parents, and leaders. The event demonstrated strong demand for an affordable, accessible, college-based merit badge experience led by Alpha professionals and community volunteers. AMBU supported the advancement of hundreds of Scouts, including many who later achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Post-event feedback showed high satisfaction, strong interest in returning, and clear evidence that AMBU was meeting a real need for Scouts seeking advancement support, mentorship, and exposure to positive role models.
- 2026
Regional Expansion and National AMBU Day
AMBU expanded beyond Atlanta into multiple cities, including Central New Jersey, Charlotte, Baltimore, and Atlanta, collectively serving approximately 320 Scouts. The year also marked the planning of the first National AMBU Day on October 3, 2026, with Alpha chapters across multiple regions preparing to host AMBU events in cities across the United States and internationally. This milestone elevated AMBU from a successful local initiative into a coordinated national Scouting movement designed to increase access, mentorship, leadership development, college exposure, and Eagle Scout advancement opportunities.
Event Metrics and Impact
Discover the impressive statistics that highlight AMBU’s influence and the enthusiastic participation of Scouts nationwide.
Participant Growth
AMBU has served approximately 800 cumulative participants in Atlanta from 2023–2026, with Spring 2026 expansion events serving approximately 320 participants across four cities.
2023–2026
Volunteer and Merit Badge Counselor Involvement
The Fall 2025 Atlanta AMBU included approximately 40 merit badge counselors and 35 volunteers, providing Scouts with advancement support, mentorship, and career exposure.
2025–2026
Event Reach
AMBU expanded in 2026 to Central New Jersey, Charlotte, Baltimore, and Atlanta, with National AMBU Day planned across multiple U.S. cities and internationally. National AMBU Day is planned for October 3, 2026, with Alpha chapters preparing to host events across multiple U.S. cities and internationally, including Atlanta, Sumter, Birmingham, Prairie View, Cocoa Beach, Oakland, Chicago, Petersburg, Baltimore, Newark, Long Island, Liberia, Africa and a global JOTA-JOTI connection. This growth reflects AMBU’s transition from a successful local initiative into an emerging national Scouting movement.
2026
Feedback and Satisfaction
AMBU surveys show strong satisfaction, including a 4.9 out of 5 average rating in Fall 2024 and 95% recommendation and 95% Eagle-rank inspiration rates in Spring 2026.
2024–2026
Target Scouts
Cumulative Participants
Avg. Rating
%
Would Recommend
What Our Participants Say
“The event was amazing.”
— Scout
“The experience was great for parents and my child.”
— Scout Parent
“Excellent Merit Badge clinic.”
— Scout
“The Men of Alpha showed up and showed out!”
— Merit Badge Counselor
Explore Our Journey Through Videos
Fall 2023 AMBU – Atlanta
AMBU launched at Morehouse College, establishing the original proof of concept by combining merit badge access, Alpha mentorship, professional role models, and HBCU college exposure.
Fall 2024 AMBU – Atlanta
AMBU returned to Morehouse College with increased participation and broader community visibility.
Spring 2025 AMBU – Atlanta
Atlanta hosted the first Spring AMBU, expanding access to Eagle-required merit badges.
Fall 2025 AMBU – Atlanta
AMBU expanded in scale, offering 40+ merit badges with support from Alpha professionals, Eagle Scouts, Merit Badge Counselors, and community partners.
Spring 2026 AMBU – Atlanta
Atlanta remained the flagship AMBU site, offering seven Eagle-required merit badges, professional mentorship, a Real Talk Panel, and community-building activities.