Educational Development (Youth Initiatives)

Delta Academy

Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy – “Embracing Girl Power on Purpose”

Delta Academy is the Sorority’s bold determination to save our young African American girls (ages 11-14) from academic failure and to expose them to the worlds beyond their imagination. The Delta Academy program is designed to provide the young girls with the necessary tools to embrace their strength and worthiness. The Delta Academy program places particular emphasis on ensuring that our young girls are ready and prepared to be leaders on the ever-changing world of the 21st Century, through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Locally, members of Chicago Alumnae assist young females to sharpen their skills in areas such as Money Management, Leadership, Coding, International affairs, Character Building, Anti-Bullying, and Social Action. Delta Academy meets the 1st Saturday of the month from 9:30 am till 11:30 am.

For more information, please email: [email protected].

Delta GEMS

 The Delta GEMS program was created as an expansion of the Delta Academy program. It goals are to “catch the dreams” of African American at-risk, adolescent girls aged 14-18.  Delta GEMS provides the frame work to actualize those dreams through the performance of specific tasks that develop a “CAN DO” attitude.

The Chicago Alumnae Delta GEMS (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully) program works under the auspices the Educational Development Committee.  The Delta GEMS (grades 9-12), participate in educational, cultural, social, and public service activities which have included various drives for the homeless, senior citizens, grade school youngsters and charitable activities for the less fortunate both locally and internationally.  Their meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday of every month at D’Estee. For more information, please email: [email protected].

EMBODI

EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence) program is designed to refocus the efforts of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., with the support and action of other major organizations, on the plight of African-American males.  Locally, Chicago Alumnae’s EMBODI program has been recognized both by the Sorority and partner organizations for its leadership and structure in providing programming designed to address issues for Chicago’s at-risk young men.

Through dialogue, workshops, teen leadership summits and personal mentors, the young men of EMBODI strive to realize their dreams in spite of current negative portrayals. If you are a male, aged 21 and over, and are interested in becoming a mentor, or a young male, aged 11 through 18 who would like to be a part of this award-winning program, email: [email protected].

Scholarship

 In keeping with the foundation set forth by the Sorority’s 22 Founders, the Scholarship Committee of Chicago Alumnae Chapter develops and administers the scholarship programs of the chapter in support of high school students who wish to attain higher education and with college students previously awarded.  The students who are eligible to apply come from various Chicago area high schools.  Those awarded also receive a mentor from the chapter who assists awardees in a myriad of areas:  studying; college life; academics; interviewing skills.

For more information email: [email protected],