Delta GEMS Application

Dr. Jeanne L. Noble G.E.M.S Institute
Application Package 2026-2027

Dear Delta GEMS applicant:
Thank you for your interest in being a part of this organization in which young ladies have the opportunity to Grow and Empower Themselves Successfully (GEMS). Under the leadership of the women of the Macomb Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, the Delta GEMS will develop their leadership skills, obtain assistance in actively pursuing higher education, develop healthy lifestyles, and gain a better understanding of what it means to serve in their communities.

Membership in Delta GEMS means accepting the challenge to promote and engage in activities that will better each participant and her community. You will grow together, learn together, and succeed together.

Please review the contents of this application and submit your completed packet by the application due date August 16, 2026.

A completed application must be submitted by the deadline or the application will not be considered.

If you are selected to participate in the Dr. Jeanne L. Noble Delta GEMS program, you will be contacted by no later than August 23, 2026.

If you have any questions regarding the application, please do not hesitate to contact the Delta GEMS Committee Chairs at gems@macombdeltas.org

Sincerely,
Delta GEMS Committee

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, is a non-profit global organization, whose purpose is to provide services and programs that promote human welfare. Delta GEMS (Developing Effective Leadership through Achieving, Growing, Empowering Myself Successfully) is an extension of the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy program. The primary focus of Delta GEMS is to help teen girls, between the ages of 14-18 and in grades 9-12, develop strong leadership skills. The Delta GEMS program is a youth community service initiative of the Macomb Alumnae Chapter.

The goals for the Delta GEMS program are:
● To promote positive social interactions
● To develop effective written and oral communication skills
● To encourage self-confidence, self-motivation, and self-discipline
● To foster meaningful public service, including mentoring and networking
● To strive for intellectual enrichment
● To assist with the exploration of various career paths and means for obtaining them (college and/or vocational skills training)
● To support talents in academics, technology, sports, and fine arts
● To maintain moral values and personal pride while experiencing the crossroads of life

The mission of the Delta GEMS program is to provide young ladies with a firm structural program that will enhance their self-esteem, academic achievement, leadership skills, and cultural awareness. This, in turn, will provide opportunities for young ladies in Macomb County to make positive impacts on their communities and encourage them to develop programs to serve their communities. The Delta GEMS program provides young ladies with the opportunity to develop emotionally, socially, and intellectually while preparing them to take an active role in their success, as they face the challenges of the world, and plan for successful transitions from high school to college.

The goals and objectives of the Delta GEMS program will be accomplished through a series of workshops and community service activities using the following framework:
● Scholarship (Academic Excellence)
● Sisterhood (Self Esteem, Health Awareness & Leadership)
● Show Me the Money (Financial Awareness)
● Service (Social Responsibility Obtained through Community Service)
● Infinitely Complete (The Rites of Passage)

The Delta GEMS logo is likened to a gemologist who can see, through the use of certain tools, the hidden treasure in unpolished jewels. Delta GEMS use the polished jewel as a symbol of the facets that shine and glow within young African-American women.

Section 3: Applicant Essay

Please answer the essay question listed below. Your response should be at least 500 words in length. Prepare your essay as a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx only) and upload it to this form.
Essay Topic:

In your opinion, what is a significant issue, either positive or negative, which is affecting your generation? How will your participation in a program such as Delta GEMS enable you to confront or contribute to this issue or development?
Click on the button below to upload your essay.

Upload Essay

Cancelof

Section 4: Applicant Committee Selection
Each GEMS program participant is required to serve on one committee. Each committee plans and facilitates a presentation for the Delta GEMS group during the year, as well as a presentation for the GEMS Youth Summit.

Community Service

Plans and implements a project related to the topics such as Leadership Development through Service Advocacy and Disaster Preparedness. Plans and implements community service project and activity for the GEMS Youth Summit.

Finance

Plans and implements a project related to the following topics: Financial Preparation and Financial Achievement. Works with advisors to develop project/activity budget.

Communication and Archives

Creates publicity material for GEMS projects and activities, photographs meetings and activities (as appropriate), and creates a newsletter each semester.

Social Engagement

Plans and implements social activities and coordinates correspondence (as appropriate). Serves as lead planning committee for the GEMS Youth Summit.

Personal Development

Plans and implements programs related to the following topics: The Aha! Moments, Skills for Success, Educational Preparation, College Transition, Career Preparation, Socialization, Healthy Lifestyle Habits, and Self-Awareness.
Select the committee you would like to serve on during the 2026-27 program

Section 5: Parent Information

Sections 5-11 should be completed by the applicant's parent/guardian.
Parent/Legal Guardian's Name:

First NameLast NameSuffix
Parent/Legal Guardian's Address:

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Parent/Legal Guardian's Email Address:
example@example.com
Parent/Legal Guardian's Primary Phone Number:

Area CodePhone Number
Relationship
Are you a member of any Divine Nine Organization?
If yes, Organization and Chapter Affiliation?
Add additional Parent/Legal Guardian
Secondary Parent/Legal Guardian's Name:

First NameLast Name
Secondary Parent/Legal Guardian's Address:

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Secondary Parent/Legal Guardian's Email:
example@example.com
Secondary Parent/Legal Guardian's Phone Primary Number:

Area CodePhone Number
Relationship
Are you a member of any Divine Nine Organization?
If yes, Organization and Chapter Affiliation
What is something you would like for your Gem to learn or taken away from the program this year?
Signature

By my signature below, I hereby verify that the above information is accurate. My signature grants permission for my child to participate in the Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully (GEMS) Program, field trips, and activities therein. In giving my permission to participate, I understand that she will take part in scheduled meetings, workshops, cultural, educational and recreational programs. I agree to provide transportation for my child to all scheduled meetings and activities. I also agree to facilitate and support my child’s timely attendance and participation. **Missing 2 meetings will forfeit your daughter’s participation in the GEMS Program**

Section 6: Consent & Authorization Forms

This section should be completed by the applicant's parent/guardian.
Parent/Guardian Statement of Consent
I voluntarily give my daughter (the student whose name is listed on this application) permission to participate in Delta GEMS. I am authorized to give permission for the student to participate in the program. My child’s participation in Delta GEMS is completely voluntary. Delta GEMS is committed to providing the best possible climate for maximum development and achievement of goals for all student participants. The Macomb Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and its related entities will make every effort to protect the welfare of the Delta GEMS participants; however, the program committee members are not responsible for ensuring the physical, mental, social, and medical health of program participants. As a parent/guardian, I am responsible for the welfare of my child. The Delta GEMS committee may suspend a student’s participation if her behavior does not reflect the spirit of the program.
GEMS Participant Sign In/Sign Out Consent
I, as parent or legal guardian, do hereby release, waive, discharge, covenant not to sue and agree to hold harmless Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, its officers, National Executive Board, employees, members, local chapters, representatives, agents, affiliates, and assigns, from any and all claims, demands, and actions of any and every kind directly or indirectly arising out of, or relating in any respect my child’s participation in Delta GEMS. My waiver and release of all claims, demands, actions, and liability shall include without limitation, any injury, illness, death, property damage, or loss to my child, which may be caused by any act or failure to act by the Delta GEMS program, unless such injury, illness, death, property damage or loss is a direct result of willful misconduct. I understand that, without limitation of the foregoing, neither Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, nor the Delta GEMS program, shall be liable and each is hereby released from all claims that may arise from loss or damage to my child’s personal property.
Section 7: Authorization to Receive Text Messages

This section should be completed by the applicant's parent/guardian.
I agree to receive SMS texts and/or GroupMe messages related to program information and/or activities.
Parent/Guardian Cell Phone Number:

Area CodePhone Number
Please Note: By selecting "No" we will be unable to text you about program and/or activity changes.
I give permission for my daughter to receive SMS texts and/or GroupMe messages related to program information and/or activities.
Applicant's Cell Phone Number:

Area CodePhone Number
Please Note: By selecting "No" we will be unable to text you about program and/or activity changes.

Section 8: Upload Required Files
Letter of Recommendation: Please upload a recommendation letter from your teacher, counselor, mentor, community leader, etc.

Upload Letter of Recommendation
Please Note: Recommendations from family members will not be accepted. Cancelof
Applicant’s School Transcript

Upload Transcript
Please upload your most recent transcript: Cancelof
Applicant’s Photo

Upload Applicant’s Photo
Please upload a current headshot photo: (Head and shoulders only - No filters and no selfies) Cancelof
Should be Empty:

Section 1: Applicant Information

Section 2: Applicant Questions

Section 3: Applicant Essay

Section 4: Applicant Committee Selection

Section 5: Parent Information

Section 6: Consent & Authorization Forms

Parent/Guardian Statement of Consent

GEMS Participant Sign In/Sign Out Consent

Section 7: Authorization to Receive Text Messages

Section 8: Upload Required Files