Community Youth Program Application

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 frame work 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.

EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence) 

The program is designed to refocus the efforts of the Sorority, with the support and action of other major organizations, on the plight of African-American males.

EMBODI is designed to enrich and enhance the, social, emotional, and academic development of African American males ages 13-18 years old in the Fort Bend County and surrounding area through a variety of monthly activities that include educational modules, cultural outings, and public service. The primary goal of the program is to prepare young men to become successful leaders in the 21st Century. The SHFBAC works in conjunction with our community partners, adult males and/or male-based organizations, to provide fun and motivating activities that will help young men reach this goal.

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

Application Deadline - September 11, 2026 or when it reaches capacity.

(If accepted) Mandatory Parent/Guardian and Student Orientation- October 1, 2026 (Mark your calendar)

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 2 day advance notice of any session absence to the program coordinator
• Must not miss 2 or more sessions. This may result in removal from the program. 
• 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 professional attitude and character

Any disruptive behavior can 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/ EMBODI - Boys ages 11-18 or middle -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 11, 2026 at 11:59 pm or your application will not be considered. Completed applications include;

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

PLEASE be sure to allocate ample time to complete your application PRIOR to the deadline.

If you have any questions, please email Program Planning and Development Committee at PPD@shfbac.org. 

 

Optional Information:

Information regarding gender, ethnic origin and race are 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, parent's place of employment, area of study, etc.).  

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 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.

The Suburban Houston Fort Bend 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.