Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy

Catching the Dreams of Tomorrow: Empowering Young Women for the 21st Century

Established in 1996, Delta Academy was founded in response to an urgent need to support and uplift young girls, ages 11 to 14, facing the challenges of academic struggles, low self-esteem, and limited future opportunities.

Through this transformative program, Delta Academy empowers local chapters to supplement and strengthen the education our young scholars receive in public schools nationwide. The initiative places a strong emphasis on academic excellence in math, science, and technology, while also encouraging leadership development through meaningful service learning—fostering relationships and a commitment to community.

The ultimate goal: to equip young women with the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills needed to thrive and lead in the 21st century.

The Transformation of Me: Knowing Me, Developing Me, Preparing Me

Since 1942, the Charlotte Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has proudly served our community. As a collective of college-educated, professional women, we are dedicated to sharing our knowledge, talents, and resources to uplift the next generation.

Delta Academy plays a vital role in supporting our Five-Point Programmatic Thrust, which includes:

  • Educational Development
  • Economic Development
  • International Awareness and Involvement
  • Physical and Mental Health
  • Political Awareness and Involvement

Core Components of Delta Academy

Delta Academy empowers girls ages 11–14 through three foundational pillars:

  • Sisterhood: Building bonds with peers from similar backgrounds
  • Scholarship: Strengthening academic achievement, particularly in math, science, and technology
  • Service: Fostering leadership through community engagement and service

Eligibility Criteria

To participate in Delta Academy, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Identify as female (this is a gender-specific program)
  • Be between the ages of 11 and 14
  • Demonstrate academic and personal promise, but may lack encouragement or support
  • Show a genuine interest in developing leadership skills
  • Express a desire to make a difference through community action and social change
  • Exhibit curiosity in exploring non-traditional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) careers
  • Please note: Participation in Delta Academy is not a prerequisite for, or connected to, membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Parent Engagement

One of the most rewarding aspects of Delta Academy is witnessing the growth of our young participants—their academic confidence, self-worth, and leadership skills flourish throughout the program.

Recognizing the vital role that parents and guardians play in a child’s success, we offer a Parent Education Series designed to complement and strengthen your support at home. These sessions are developed around topics that matter most to you and your family.

Rules & Responsibilities

For Participants:

  • Regular attendance is strongly encouraged; absences should be communicated with program coordinators in advance
  • Arrive on time for each session
  • Rude or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated and may result in dismissal from the program
  • Bullying is strictly prohibited and will lead to immediate removal
  • Ensure participants attend sessions consistently
  • Attend scheduled parent education sessions
  • Arrive on time for participant pick-up
  • Submit all permission forms and requested documentation
  • Be available during session times for emergencies or provide an up-to-date emergency contact.

For Parents/Guardians:

Delta Gems
A natural outgrowth and expansion for the continuation of the highly successful Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy: Catching the Dreams of Tomorrow, Delta GEMS was created to catch 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.

Delta G.E.M.S. Institute (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully) is an extension of the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy program and is designed for at-risk girls ages 14 to 18 years old. Delta G.E.M.S. provides the framework to actualize those dreams through the performance of specific tasks that develop a “CAN DO” attitude.  The goals for Delta G.E.M.S. are:

  • To instill the need to excel academically
  • To provide tools that enable girls to enhance their skills to achieve high levels of academic success
  • To assist girls in proper goal setting and planning for their futures
  • To create compassionate, caring, and community-minded young women by actively involving them in service-learning and community service opportunities

The Delta G.E.M.S. framework is composed of five major components (Scholarship, Sisterhood, Show Me the Money, Service, and Infinitely Complete), forming a road map for college and career planning. Topics within the five major components are designed to provide interactive lessons and activities that provide opportunities for self-reflection and individual growth.

Rules & Responsibilities of Delta G.E.M.S. Participants & Parent(s)/Guardian(s)

Parents Responsibility:

  • Bring GEMS to all sessions on time
  • Be on time to pick up GEMS
  • Return all permission forms or parental information requested
  • Be available during GEMS sessions for emergencies or provide emergency contact

GEMS Guidelines:

  • Arrive on time for each session
  • Contact GEMS program leads at least 2 days in advance if a session will be missed
  • Complete all assignments as asked
  • Actively participate in all sessions
  • Turn off cell phones during the session
  • Do not use profanity
  • Disruptive behavior can lead to removal from the program
  • Adhere to “appropriate” attire
  • Maintain a professional attitude and character

GEMS Participation Criteria:

  • Young Women
  •  14 – 18 who are in Grades 9 through 12.
  • Have potential, but need guidance, support, and skills to achieve success.
  • Interested in developing leadership skills.
  • Actively pursuing college and/or career options.
  • Need encouragement and support in pursuit of higher learning.
  • Identified by authorized partners of Delta chapters and/or former Delta Academy participants.


The Delta G.E.M.S. application process is open for the 2025-2026 program year. We are accepting applications now through July 1, 2025.

Embodi

The EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence) program is designed to refocus the efforts of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, 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 is designed to address 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. 
For more information contact gscac.embodi@gmail.com