Youth Initiative Programs

Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy (ages 11-14)

Catching the Dreams of Tomorrow, Preparing Young Women for the 21st Century: The Delta Academy was created out of an urgent sense that bold action was needed to save our young females (ages 11-14) from the perils of academic failure, low self-esteem, and crippled futures. Delta Academy provides an opportunity for local chapters to enrich and enhance the education that our young teens receive in public schools across the nation. Specifically, we augment their scholarship in math, science, and technology, their opportunities to provide service in the form of leadership through service learning defined as the cultivation and maintenance of relationships. A primary goal of the program is to prepare young girls for full participation as leaders in the 21st Century.

We will plan and implement varied activities based upon the needs of the early adolescents in our areas. The activities may include computer training, self-esteem and etiquette workshops.

Dr. Jeanne L. Noble Delta GEMS (ages 14-18)

Delta GEMS was created to catch the dreams of African-American at-risk, adolescent girls aged 14-18. Delta GEMS provides the framework to actualize those dreams through the performance of specific tasks that develop a CAN DO attitude.

The goals for Delta GEMS are:

1. To instill the need to excel academically;

2. To provide tools that enable girls to sharpen and enhance their skills to achieve high levels of academic success;

3. To assist girls in proper goal setting and planning for their futures in high school and beyond; and

4. To create compassionate, caring, and community-minded young women by actively involving them in service learning and community service opportunities.

The Delta GEMS program offers a road map for college and career planning, through activities that provide opportunities for self-reflection and individual growth. Delta GEMS, like Delta Academy, is implemented by chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.