APPLICATION PROCESS APPLICANT CRITERIA PROGRAM FRAMEWORK & EXPECTATIONS
Delta GEMS Program Overview
A natural outgrowth and expansion for the continuation of Delta Academy, the Delta GEMS program was created by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 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:
- To instill the need to excel academically;
- To provide tools that enable girls to sharpen and enhance their skills to achieve high levels of academic success;
- To assist girls in proper goal setting and planning for their futures in high school and beyond; and
- To create compassionate, caring, and community-minded young women by actively involving them in service learning and community service opportunities.
Southfield Alumnae Chapter Delta GEMS Program
The Southfield Delta GEMS program builds upon the framework of the national program.
Southfield Delta GEMS 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
The 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 overcome the challenges of the world.
Southfield Alumnae Chapter’s GEMS program begins its year in September with a retreat including icebreakers, team building, and goal setting activities. Sessions are held two to three times per month depending upon the planned activities. Workshops have included topics such as public speaking, career fairs focusing on STEM careers, financial awareness, and teen domestic violence. The young ladies have participated in a wide array of community service projects, including packing food baskets for the needy, caroling at an Assisted Living Home, Vista Maria and the chapter’s annual health fair. Throughout the year, time is allotted for sisterhood outings. The yearly program typically ends in May with the GEMS closing banquet.
Key Dates
- June: Delta GEMS Open House
- June: Application opens for the upcoming program year
- September: Application period closes
If you have any questions or are in need of additional information, please connect with us at deltagems@deltasac.org.