Student African American Sisterhood (SAAS) is an inspiring 501C3 organization dedicated to unifying African American women through the development of a sisterhood of distinction.  SAAS seeks to positively impact the lives of its membership through creating supportive networks among African American females, encouraging and assisting with personal and professional development, and providing strategies for educational attainment and success throughout the collegiate experience and beyond.  The women of SAAS are committed to planning and implementing programs that empower not only themselves, but the community at large.  SAAS members are encouraged to exemplify positive leadership and sisterhood in the academic environment and in the community.  As sisterhood is built, women will be empowered personally, academically, socially, and spiritually.  

 SAAS began on the campus of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis in 2004-2005 as a grassroots effort to respond to the desires of African American female students to develop a network of academic and personal support.  The organization grew tremendously in fall 2006 as it was reorganized and began to provide intentional programming coupled with intensive academic, social and personal support strategies.  Six core principles provide the framework for development of all activities, events, workshops, etc.   

Core Principles:

• Academic Excellence
• Service Learning
• Cultural Awareness
• Personal Development
• Social Unity
• Financial Literacy

SAAS is a movement!  It is an intentionally designed research based retention & support program that requires institutional commitment in order to be successful.  

Data reveals that SAAS engages women of color, improves academic performance, contributes to persistence and graduation.

Launching a chapter includes program orientation and training, chapter development guide, resources, and more!

To get started - identify a core group of women of color students, at least one staff or faculty member to serve as the advisor, and a sponsoring department (such as Diversity Affairs, Cultural Centers, Student Affairs, etc.)

Contact us today for additional information.