JMAC Youth Initiative Application

Educational Development: Who Are We?

Please complete and mail applications to:

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Jackson (MS) Alumnae Chapter

Attention: Delta Academy/GEMS

P.O. Box 96 Jackson, MS 39205- 0096

OR

Email complete applications for

Delta Academy and GEMS to deltaacademy_gems@jacksonmsalumnae.org

Email EMBODI applications to

embodi@jacksonmsalumnae.org

If you have any questions, please email the appropriate email address above.

COMPLETED APPLICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN September 20, 2026, TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE 2026-2027 DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. YOUTH INITIATIVE PROGRAMMING YEAR.

Dear Applicant,

The Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy is a national initiative of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. coordinated on the local level to support the development of young females ages 11-14. The goal of Delta Academy is to help young girls avoid the perils of academic failure, low self-esteem, and crippled futures. We have planned monthly activities with trained volunteers to augment educational development through engagement in STEM activities, personal and cultural development events, leadership opportunities, and public service. The program is designed to prepare young girls for full participation as leaders in the 21st Century.

Dr. Jeanne L. Noble GEMS Institute is geared toward the development of adolescent girls ages 14-18. The Delta GEMS program provides a framework for achieving goals and dreams through the development of a “can do” attitude and important academic and life skills. It is designed to grow compassionate, caring, and community-minded young women. We have planned monthly activities with trained volunteers to focus on goal-setting, college-and-career planning, individual growth, and self-reflection.

The EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence) Program is designed for adolescent boys, grades 6th - 12th, 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. Both informal and empirical data suggest that the vast majority of African-American males continue to be in crisis and are not reaching their fullest potential educationally, socially, and emotionally. EMBODI addresses these issues through dialogue and recommendations for change and action. EMBODI addresses issues related to STEM education, culture, self-efficacy, leadership, physical and mental health, healthy lifestyle choices, character, ethics, relationships, college readiness, fiscal management, civic engagement, and service learning.

The Delta Academy/Delta GEMS Subcommittee and EMBODI Subcommittee will be busy planning exciting, fun-filled sessions, and events to promote the personal and academic growth of our youth to begin this fall.. We look forward to receiving your applications soon!

Sincerely,

Kimberly M. Smith
Educational Development Chair

What To Do:

◊       Complete the application in its entirety.

◊       Submit application no later than September 20, 2026, by 11:59pm CST.

◊       If selected, ensure you (participant and parent/guardian) attend one (1)   Parent Orientation.

◊       Ensure you have access to electronic devices and the internet to use for virtual programming.

Please note: Current high school juniors are not eligible to apply.

Which program are you applying:

Have you participated in either program before?

Are you related to a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.?

How are you related?

Name

First NameLast Name

Date of Birth

Date

Gender

Grade Entering Next Year

T-shirt Size

Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Home Phone Number

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Youth's mobile number

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Youth's Email Address

example@example.com

What are your (Youth Applicant) career goals?

School Name

Allergies (Food):

Parent/Legal Guardian's Name

First NameLast Name

Cell Phone

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Work Phone

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Parent Email

example@example.com

Parent/Legal Guardian's Name

First NameLast Name

Cell Phone

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Work Phone

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Parent Email

example@example.com

Emergency Contact #1

First NameLast Name

Emergency Contact Number

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Emergency Contact Relationship to Student

Emergency Contact #2

First NameLast Name

Emergency Contact Number

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Emergency Contact Relationship to Student

Student Participation & Support Needs

Our Youth Initiatives Program is designed for students who are committed to participating, growing, and engaging in meaningful enrichment experiences throughout the year.

The program will meet approximately 6–8 Saturdays during the year, usually once per month. mo Additional activities may be offered virtually or in person throughout the year.

Attendance Requirement

Because space is limited and consistent participation is important, students are expected to attend all scheduled sessions and activities.

Students who miss more than two sessions may be removed from the program and may not be eligible to return the following year.

Student Success and Support Indicators

Briefly explain any checked areas:

If Other selected, please specify here

PERSONAL STATEMENT OF INTEREST 1. Please explain in 200 words or less: Whywould you like to join the Delta Academy/GEMS/EMBODI of the Jackson (MS)Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc? Whatdo you hope to gain or learn by participating in this program?

0/200

PERSONAL STATEMENT OF INTEREST 2. Please explain in 200 words or less: If you could design an event/program of yourchoosing for Delta Academy/GEM/EMBODI , what would it be and how would itimpact the community?

0/200

You may upload your Personal Statements of Interest here, if you choose. Please be sure to name them Personal Statement of Interest 1 and Personal Statement of Interest 2.

Parent/Guardian Acknowledgment

I understand that regular attendance and active participation are required. I also understand that missing more than two sessions may result in removal from the program and may affect future participation.

Parent/Guardian Signature

Participant's Signature

Jackson (MS) Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated 2026-2027 Youth Initiative Application

COMPLETED APPLICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN September 20, 2026, TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE 2026-2027 DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. YOUTH INITIATIVE PROGRAMMING YEAR.