ABOUT DELTA GEMS

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 high school aged girls (Freshmen – Seniors).  Delta GEMS provides the frame work to actualize those dreams through performance of specific tasks that develop a “CAN DO” attitude.

The Delta GEMS 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.

PURPOSE

• 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 — 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.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• A high school student with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (4.0 scale) ¹
• Completed profile sheet
• Submit an essay about why she wants to be a member of the Delta GEMS
• Consistent attendance to monthly meetings and scheduled service projects
• A positive attitude 

¹ Verification for gpa may be met as follows:  All applicants that are currently in high school must provide their report cards for the January–May 2009 semester.  Incoming freshmen need to submit their 8^th grade report cards.