• DELTA GEMS And DELTA ACADEMY Program Application

    2026-2027

  • Program Descriptions

    Dr. Betty A. Shabazz Delta Academy 

    Catching the Dreams of Tomorrow, Preparing Young Women For the 21st Century: The Delta Academy was created out of an urgent sense that bold action was needed to save young girls from the perils of academic failure, low self-esteem, and crippled futures.

    Delta Academy provides an opportunity to enrich and enhance the education that our young teens (ages 11-13) receive in public schools across the nation. Specifically, we augment their scholarship in math, science, and technology, their opportunities to provide service in the form of leadership through service learning, defined as the cultivation and maintenance of relationships. A primary goal of the program is to prepare young girls for full participation as leaders in the 21st Century.

     

    Delta Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully (G.E.M.S.) 

    A natural outgrowth and expansion for the continuation of the highly successful “Dr. Betty Shabaaz Delta Academy: Catching the Dreams of Tomorrow”, Delta Gems was created to “catch the dreams” of African American adolescent girls (ages 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  future, 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.  

     

  • Read and follow the instructions carefully prior to submitting your application.     

    Application Deadline - September 20, 2026, or when it reaches capacity.

    (If accepted) Mandatory Parent/Guardian and Student Orientation TBD 

    Parents/Guardian Rules & Responsibilities

    • Must ensure participants attend the sessions on time
    • Must return all required parental information and permissions forms (completed)
    • Must be available during program sessions in case of emergency

    Program Participant Rules & Responsibilities

    • Must be on time for each session
    • Must give a minimum of 2 days' advance notice of any session absence to the program coordinator
    • Must actively participate in all sessions and complete assignments as asked
    • Must silence cell phones during sessions
    • Must not use profanity
    • Must adhere to appropriate attire and maintain a professional attitude and character

    Disruptive behavior may lead to program removal. 

    Participant Criteria

    • Meet age requirements (Delta Academy-Girls ages 11-13 or middle school)  (Delta GEMS - Girls ages 14-18 or high school) 
    • Have potential but need guidance, support, and skills to achieve success
    • Actively considering college and/or career options
    • Need encouragement and support in pursuit of higher learning
      Identified by schools, churches, youth groups, or former Delta program participants

    The following criteria will be used to determine eligibility:

    • Submit a completed application 
    • Meets participant criteria (highlighted above)

     Selection Process

    Completed applications MUST be received by September 20, 2026 at 11:59 pm, or your application will not be considered. Completed applications include;

    • Signed Youth Initiative Virtual Meeting/Event Participation Agreement 
    • Youth Participant Virtual Meeting and Publicity Code of Conduct 

    PLEASE allow ample time to complete your application PRIOR to the deadline.

    If you have any questions, please email Angela Harris, Chair at  gemskatydeltas@gmail.com. 

  • I. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

  • Please upload the signed and completed Youth Initative Virtual Meeting/Event Participation Agreement and Youth Participant Virtual Meeting and Publicity Code of Conduct document.

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  • I. Personal Data:

    Tell us about yourself
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • II. School Information and Extra-circular Activities:

  • What school activities, sports, community activities, volunteer work, employment, honors programs etc. do you plan on participating in this school year?

  • Optional Information:

    Information regarding gender, ethnic origin, and race is optional. The information is requested for report generation only and in no way affects your selection for participation. However, providing this information may increase your opportunities for program funding where donors have asked that priority consideration be given to students meeting certain demographic criteria (such as minority status, parents' place of employment, area of study, etc.).  

  • Ethnic Origin:
  • Race? (Choose one or more):

  • III. Applicant's E-Signature

  • We value the commitment and active participation of our students in all activities and events. Regular attendance not only enhances the overall experience for each student but also contributes to the growth and success of our organization. To maintain a vibrant and engaging community, we have established the following attendance requirements:

    • Regular Meetings: All students are expected to attend monthly sessions held on the 3rd Saturday of each month (with the exception of November and December). These sessions serve as a platform for engagement, learning, and collaborative planning.
    • Special Events: Throughout the year, we organize various special events, workshops, and projects that are integral to our organization's mission. Students are invited to attend these events.
    • Communication: If you are unable to attend a session or event, we appreciate timely communication in advance. Please notify the program chair/co-chair at least one (1) to two (2) weeks before the scheduled activity.
    • Excused Absences: We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. Excused absences may be granted for valid reasons such as illness, family emergencies, or academic obligations. To request an excused absence, please contact the program chair/co-chair as soon as possible.
    • Consequences: Failure to meet the attendance requirements may result in consequences, such as limited participation in future activities, loss of certain privileges, or a review of program status. However, we value open communication and will consider individual situations on a case-by-case basis.

  • By signing (typing your legal name) in the space below, you are certifying that all information is correct and that you are the person completing this application. When you press the submit button, you will receive an email confirmation that your application was received. Please print for your records and retain as verification of your application.

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  • The KATY AREA ALUMNAE CHAPTER of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, is committed to equal opportunity in employment and education. We do not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or any other protected class.

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