Greetings Delta GEMS applicants, 

Delta GEMS Educational Program has a focus on enriching the lives of teen girls ages 14-18 in grades 9-12. GEMS is an acronym for Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully and that is the goal for the teens in this program. Delta GEMS provides the framework to actualize the dreams of these teen girls through the development of a positive and empowering attitude.

The Delta GEMS logo is a gem. The gem symbolizes the hidden treasure in unpolished jewels. These jewels are the teen girls.

The PWCAC Delta GEMS committee warmly welcomes your child to apply to participate as a 2026-27 Delta GEM. Below you will learn more about the program and you will be able to access the application. 

Program Goals:

• To develop strong, confident, and respectful teens to prepare them to take an active role in their success and society
• To develop effective written and oral communication skills
• To encourage the teens' self-confidence, self-motivation, and self-discipline
• To foster meaningful public service activities, including mentoring and networking
• To strive for intellectual enrichment and academic excellence
• To assist in the exploration of career paths and educational skills
• To support talents in academics, STEM, sports, and fine arts
• To set goals, understand boundaries, and practice time management
• Ultimately, the Delta GEMS 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 and improve the teens as they transition to young adults.  

Delta GEMS Program Structure & Participant Expectations

Delta GEMS participants should expect to:

• At least one parent or guardian of the participant must attend the PWCAC Delta GEMS orientation on September 19th, 2026 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m.
• To attend GEMS workshops are held monthly from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. beginning October and held through May (September and March will be on Saturdays)
• To complete monthly RSVP with explanation if they cannot attend
• To attend at least six workshops for the year
• Encouraged not to miss more than three consecutive, unexcused sessions

We look forward to seeing each of you and your parent/guardian at Orientation on September 19th, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Saunders Middle School. Please see flyer for details.

Please contact pwcacdstgems@gmail.com with any questions. 

Thank you,

Melonie Barrow

Regina 'Gina' Carrell

Co-Chairs, PWCAC Delta GEMS

Eligibility and Application Details: New and Returning Applicants:

-Must be a female student entering the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade this upcoming fall, between the ages of 14-18 years old, and attend high school or live in Prince William County.

-Must complete the online application in its entirety by the October 2, 2026 deadline, including submitting:

• A headshot photograph (JPEG, PNG, or the like format)
• If applicant is a driver, a copy of valid driver’s license and proof of insurance
• A Risk Management packet (must be completed by parent or guardian)

Important Details
No applications or materials sent via email will be accepted. All sections of the application must be completed and submitted via the online form only.

Application deadline for all new and returning applicants: October 2, 2026 by 11:59 p.m.
**Late submissions will not be accepted.**

Please feel free to contact us at Pwcacdstgems@gmail.com with any questions or for assistance.

Emergency Contact Information
If the parent/guardian of a GEMS participant cannot be reached, please contact the following person(s) whom I/we, the parent(s) of the minor listed on this application, hereby authorize as an emergency contact. Emergency contacts must be adults with a means of transportation.  

The health of the student is primarily the responsibility of her parent(s) or guardian(s). The Prince William County Alumnae Chapter strongly recommends annual health examinations, dental check-ups, and immunizations against preventable diseases. Our policy on health and safety implies a responsibility to the participants for their protection. It also implies the right of the organization to be assured, as much as possible, that the participants are physically able to take part in youth group activities.

Parent Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
 

In case of medical emergency, I understand that every effort will be made to contact the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the student. In the event I cannot be reached, I hereby give permission to the physician selected by authorized representative(s) of the Prince Wiliam County Alumnae Chapter to hospitalize, secure proper treatment for and to order injection, anesthesia or surgery for my child.

Consent & Authorization Forms

Authorization to Receive Delta GEMS Program Information via Email

Delta GEMS Code of Conduct Statement

I will cooperate with all adults in charge. I will be sensitive to the needs of each participant.

I will respect the people and places with which I come in contact.

I will adhere to the Delta GEMS dress code.

I will participate in required activities & discussions, be on time for all scheduled activities, and be open to new ideas. In the event I must miss an event, I will follow the absence reporting procedure. In the event of an unforeseen emergency, I will contact the GEMS Chair at least 24 hours ahead of the activity.

I understand that obscene language and the use of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal or unauthorized drugs, and fighting will not be tolerated. Such usage during any activity may result in immediate dismissal from the program.

I will remember that I am a member of a program sponsored by the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and I must abide by a high standard of conduct. My behavior will reflect the high values and expectations for conduct and ladylike etiquette described in this Code of Conduct.

I will not make negative remarks on social media about program participants nor the Southfield Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

I will not leave any GEMS event without signing out or acknowledging early departure with the program chairs.

I will be responsible for all of my personal belongings.

I understand that I will receive two warnings for unacceptable behavior. After two warnings, my parent/guardian will be notified. I understand if I am sent home early due to any misconduct, it will be my parent’s responsibility to provide transportation. I also understand that any additional costs for transportation will be my parent’s responsibility.

I understand that more than three unexcused absences may result in my being dropped from the program and may prohibit me from being able to participate in any program activities.

I understand that my attitude and behavior are central to the success of the Delta GEMS program.

Therefore, for the good of this program, as well as for myself and my fellow group members, I agree to abide by the statements above. I understand that there are sanctions for violations which may include removal from the program.

 

 

As the parent/guardian, I understand and agree with the above responsibilities fully accepted by my daughter. I will not hold Southfield Alumnae Chapter or its members responsible if my daughter is sent home early and/or discharged from the program due to misconduct.

Click here to download the fillable Risk Management parent packet.