2026 - 2027 Youth Initiatives Application
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Thank you for your interest in the Sanford Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., youth initiatives; Delta Academy and Delta GEMS. Each of these is a national signature program of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and is being sponsored locally by the Sanford Alumnae Chapter. Participation is strictly voluntary and requires a strong level of commitment. 

Application Due: 
AUGUST 23 - Sunday 

Parent & Participant Orientation: 
AUGUST 23 - Sunday | 2 PM - 4 PM

Tentative Meeting Dates 

September 27, 2026 – Sunday | 2 PM – 4 PM 
October 25, 2026 – Sunday | 2 PM – 4 PM 
November 22, 2026 – Sunday | 2 PM – 4 PM 
December 12, 2026 – Saturday | Sanford Holiday Parade 
January 18, 2027 – Monday | Sanford MLK Day Parade 
January 24, 2027 – Sunday | 2 PM – 4 PM 
February 28, 2027 – Sunday | 2 PM – 4 PM 
March 28, 2027 – Sunday | 2 PM – 4 PM 
April 25, 2027 – Sunday | 2 PM – 4 PM 
May 2, 2027 – Sunday | 3 PM – 5 PM (Awards Celebration)

Each participant will be expected to commit to regular attendance at monthly meetings. More than 3 absences, your child may be excused from the program.

Please be sure to read the information in its entirety. The application should be completed by the parent(s)/legal guardian unless otherwise specified. For questions regarding the application, please contact:

Thank you for your interest in the Sanford Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., youth initiatives; Delta Academy and Delta GEMS. Each of these is a national signature program of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and is being sponsored locally by the Sanford Alumnae Chapter. Participation is strictly voluntary and requires a strong level of commitment. 
Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy 

Young Ladies; Ages 11-14 | Middle School

Delta Academy is an exciting and innovative way for Delta women of vision to turn their considerable resources and energies to developing new purpose, new skills and new leaders from the ranks of 11 to 14-year old young women.

We know that many of today ‘s young women are trapped in environments that do not fully support their personal and academic development. Additionally, many girls today are ignored or left behind at the very point in their lives when they are most in need of attention, support, and encouragement. 

The Delta Academy seeks to remedy some of these deficiencies and offers supervised and structured experiences that will help participants grow to be productive citizens with high self-esteem and an appreciation for the demand of an increasingly Generation Z-focused society. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. continues its commitment to young women who demonstrate the potential to succeed, but who may not have the necessary support systems to meet their highest potential. Mentoring encourages our girls to disbelieve stereotypes and become leaders. We are committed to addressing the many sides of middle school girls’ needs. Our overarching goal is to guide girls into womanhood with educational support and professional guidance that will teach them how to create opportunities for academic success., To enhance their decision-making, communication skills, develop their abilities and talents, to compete in a global society, and become change agents in the transformations of their communities.

Dr. Jeanne L. Noble Delta GEMS Institute

Young Ladies; Ages 14-18 | High School

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Dr.Jeanne L. Noble Delta GEMS initiative has addressed the needs of African American young ladies through innovative programming since its inception in 2004 under the leadership of Dr. Louise A. Rice, 23rd National President. GEMS is an acronym for Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully. The involvement of collegiate and alumnae sorors is encouraged to promote the success of the program which has served as a promising best practice for African-American high school young ladies for over 14 years. 

In continuing our successful tradition, 26th National President Beverly E. Smith charged the National Program Planning and Development Committee – and specifically the Educational Development SubCommittee – to continue to advance our educational development programs. The updated program described and characterized through our Delta GEMS Curriculum Manual reflects current issues and trends affecting young women. The GEMS Curriculum Manual was created to be used by members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and GEMS volunteers. The overarching goal is to guide young ladies into womanhood with educational support and professional guidance that will teach them how to create opportunities for academic success, enhance their decision making and communication skills, develop their abilities and talents, compete in a global society, and become change agents in the transformation of their communities.

Youth Initiative Application Packet 
Listed below are the required Parent/Guardian forms for youth initiatives. Those listed below as Signature Required must be completed, signed, and returned for the youth to participate in the youth initiative. Forms listed as Informational Only do not require a signature, but the Parent/Guardian must acknowledge receipt by initialing on the Parent/Guardian Forms Checklist (Appendix B10).

***There will be a required Parent & PARTICIPANT Orientation meeting for Parents/Guardians of youth participants on Sunday, August 23, 2025 at 2 PM - 4 PM. 
Download the Youth Initiative Application Packet here.
You must DOWNLOAD the packet, COMPLETE the packet and EMAIL the packet to SACyouthgroups@gmail.com or bring a printed copy to Yolonda Tyler, Education Chair and Youth Group Advisor  
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