2025-26 Delta GEMS Application

Greetings!

The Delta GEMS program is an extension of the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy program of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and has a focus on enriching the lives of teen girls in grades 9-12. The program provides the framework to actualize the dreams of these teen girls through the development of a ‘can do’ attitude.

The Delta GEMS logo is a gem, and the program can be metaphorically defined as a gemologist who can see – with certain tools – the hidden treasure in unpolished jewels. These jewels are the teen girls.

Program Goals:

• To promote positive, societal interactions
• To develop effective written and oral communication skills
• To encourage self-confidence, self-motivation, and self-discipline
• To foster meaningful public service activities, including mentoring and networking
• To strive for intellectual enrichment
• To assist in the exploration of career paths and educational skills
• To support talents in academics, STEM, sports, and fine arts
• To maintain moral values and personal pride while experiencing the crossroads of life
  Ultimately, the Delta GEMS program strives to ensure its participants’ experience increased self-esteem, heightened academic success, leadership skills, cultural awareness, and an expanded knowledge of what it means to serve the community. These benefits will assist them in impacting their communities and overcoming the challenges of the world.
  
  

Delta GEMS Program Structure & Participant Expectations

• 
  If selected to participate in the Delta GEMS program, the following expectations must be adhered to:
  
• Selected participants are to attend GEMS sessions that are held Saturdays monthly from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. beginning September and held through May.
• Selected participants are expected to attend at least 7 of the 12 scheduled sessions for the year.
• Selected participants must not miss more than three consecutive, unexcused sessions, or it will result in removal from the program.
• At least one parent or guardian of the selected participant must attend the parent meeting tentatively scheduled for late September.
• Selected participants must attend the Kickoff Session tentatively scheduled for late September immediately following the parent meeting.