Educational Development

Since its founding in 1913 Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has clearly distinguished itself as a public service organization that boldly confronts the challenges of African Americans and, hence, all Americans. Over the years, a wide range of programs addressing education, health, international development, and strengthening of the African American family have evolved. In realizing its mission, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. provides an extensive array of public service initiatives through its Five-Point Program Thrust of Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement

Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy is a nationally sanctioned Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. program that affords an avenue for the Gary Alumnae Chapter to improve and heighten the education of our young pre-teens and teens within our service area. Embracing the Dreams of the Future, we are preparing young women for their destiny. Delta Academy was developed out of an urgent sense of action to save our young females (ages 11-14) from the perils of academic failure, low self-esteem, and crippled futures.

In particular, we supplement their scholarship in math, science, and technology; their opportunity to offer service in the form of leadership through service learning defined as the cultivation and maintenance of relationships. At a minimum, we plan and implement varied activities based upon the needs of the early adolescents within our service area. Our Saturday programs cover but not limited to computer training, self-esteem and etiquette workshops, field trips for science experiences and for college exposure, and special outings to cultural events, fancy dinners, museums, plays, and concerts. As part of a long legacy of ancillary to the African American community, we believe in the futures of our young women. Delta Academy is our mode of supporting their dreams and encouraging all successes.

• Delta GEMS (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully) captures the dreams of at-risk African American teenagers and helps to transform those dreams into productive and successful womanhood. The Delta GEMS program coordinates a series of mental, physical, emotional, financial, social, and academic programs for young women aged 14-18.
  Delta GEMS challenges participants through the performance of specific tasks that develop an “optimistic” attitude and spirit. Delta GEMS stimulates the mental capacity of young women to become productive citizens through accountability – especially inside the classroom.
  Delta GEMS aims to:
• Offer tools that empower teens to sharpen and enrich their talents to reach the pinnacle of academic success
• Assist in proper goal-setting and planning for the future, in high school and beyond
• Create compassionate, caring, and community-minded young women by actively involving them in the mechanics of service to others and community service opportunities.

The EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence) program refocuses the efforts of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., with the support and action of other major organizations, on the plight of African-American males. Both informal and empirical data suggests that the vast majority of African-American males continue to be in crisis and are not reaching their fullest potential educationally, socially, and emotionally. EMBODI addresses these issues through dialogue and recommendations for change and action. EMBODI addresses issues related to STEM education, culture, self-efficacy, leadership, physical and mental health, healthy lifestyle choices, character, ethics, relationships, college readiness, fiscal management, civic engagement, and service-learning.  Throughout the program, we are challenging young African American males to cultivate a personal long-term vision for their lives – to look beyond their daily circumstances and immediate surroundings toward possibilities and bright futures. Our greatest joy derives from our involvement in transforming young minds and lives.

Come forth all YOUTH…Get P.L.U.G.G.E.D.
Positively & Legitimately Utilizing Gifts to Get Educated through Delta!

GAC Youth Programming is underway!
2nd Saturdays of the month
Great for large families
1 location for all 3 groups simultaneously w/ programs & activities to sharpen & enhance youth skills