NAC Youth Initiative Programs 2026

Nashville Alumnae Chapter Youth Initiative Program Application

2026 - 2027
Youth Initiative Program Descriptions:

The Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy

The first manual, Catching the Dreams of Tomorrow, Preparing Young Women for the 21st Century, was created in 1996 under the leadership of 21st International President, Marcia L. Fudge. The manual was created out of an urgent sense that bold action was needed to save our young females (ages 11-14) from the perils of academic failure, low self-esteem, and crippled futures. Our current manual, Embracing Girl Power on Purpose, provides an opportunity for local chapters to enrich and enhance the education that our young teens receive in public schools across the nation. Specifically, we augment their scholarship in math, science, and technology, and their opportunities to provide service in the form of leadership through service learning defined as the cultivation and maintenance of relationships. The Embracing Girl Power on Purpose manual was the first one developed based on Delta’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrust, providing a wide range of issues for Academy girls to explore, and should be used to guide the youth leaders as they present programming to our young ladies. Of course, adaptation of the manual to benefit local needs is always encouraged.

Dr. Jeanne L. Noble Delta G.E.M.S.

The Dr. Jeanne L. Noble Delta GEMS: Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully, was a natural outgrowth and expansion for the continuation of the highly successful Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy. The Dr. Jeanne L. Noble Delta GEMS was created in 2004 under the leadership of Dr. Louise A. Rice, 23rd National President, to empower the dreams of African American at-risk adolescent girls aged 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 futures in 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.

The current curriculum manual for this program, GEMS: Jewels in Our Galaxy, is also aligned with Delta’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrust, and the framework offers a road map for:

● College and career planning through activities that provide opportunities for self-reflection and individual growth;
● Mental health awareness as it especially impacts suicide and feelings of isolation;
● Financial planning;
● Service learning; and
● Current issues and trends affecting young ladies, and more

Parent/Guardian Youth Initiative Application (Selection & Guidelines)

Please read and follow the instructions carefully prior to submitting your application.

Application Deadline - September 28, 2026, or when it reaches capacity.

(If accepted) Mandatory Parent/Guardian and Student Orientation on September 24, 2026 (Make-up Session September 30, 2026)

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 11-14 or middle school) (Delta G.E.M.S. - Girls ages 14-18 or high school)
- Participants must reside within the following service areas (counties) of Nashville Alumnae Chapter: Cheatham, Davidson, Robertson, Sumner,
  Williamson, and Wilson
- 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
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 28, 2026 at 11:00 pm, or your application will not be considered.

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

If you have any questions, please email:

G.E.M.S. - deltagemsnac@gmail.com

Academy - dacademynac@gmail.com

Nashville Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

2026-2027 Delta Academy / Delta GEMS Application
Which Youth Initiative Program are you applying to?
Have you previously participated in a Nashville Alumnae Chapter Youth Initiative Program?
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Applicant's Name

First NameLast Name
Date of Birth

MonthDayYear
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit yearDate
Age
Applicant's Grade
Ex. 6th - 12th
School Name or Homeschool Program Name
Applicant's Cell Phone

Area CodePhone Number
Applicant's Email

Confirmation Emailconfirm email
Applicant's Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
County of Residence
Name of Parent/Guardian

First NameLast Name
Contact Number of Parent/Guardian

Area CodePhone Number
Email of Parent/Guardian

Confirmation Emailconfirm email

TELL US MORE ABOUT YOU
Describe your career goal(s):
Medical Condition(s) and/or Allergies:
Medical Condition(s) and/or Allergies:
Enter N/A - if none
Medication

Applicant Agreement
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. 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.
Attendance Requirement
The Parent Orientation Session will take place on Thursday, September 24th at 7p.m. via Zoom, with a makeup session scheduled for Wednesday, September 30th at 7 p.m. The registration link will be sent following the end of the application period.
Parent Orientation
Printed Name of Parent/Guardian
Signature of Parent/Guardian
Date of Parent/Guardian Signature

MonthDayYear
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit yearDate
Should be Empty:

Nashville Alumnae Chapter Youth Initiative Program Application

Medical Condition(s) and/or Allergies:

Applicant Agreement