The Minneapolis/St. Paul Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated has opened applications for the Delta Academy for young girls. 

The UMN chapter of Delta Sigma Theta will join in their alumnae chapter’s programming this year to reach young women in the Twin Cities for this international initiative.

The ladies in the University’s chapter will volunteer to share their experiences as college students to help the younger participants outline their own plans for college and life. 

The 6-month long Delta Academy will include the Dr. Betty Shabazz middle school program and the Dr. Jeanne L. Nobel Delta Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully (G.E.M.S.) high school program. 

“They are both designed to inspire, encourage, and guide young community members towards achievement and service,” said Tamera Irwin, Sub-Committee Chair of the Delta Sigma Theta Minneapolis/St. Paul Alumnae Chapter.

The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority alumnae have presented their Delta Academy for a number of years, said JaLisa Jackson, President of Delta Sigma Theta, who was a member of the sorority’s National Educational Awareness initiative since she was a preteen. 

The programs have existed since the late 90s and early 2000s, Jackson said. 

According to the program brochure, the middle school project was named after Betty Shabazz, a noted civil rights leader, wife of Malcolm X, and member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. The curriculum will provide a development forum focusing on positive self-esteem, improving academic progress, and enhancing their social and interpersonal skills.

On the other hand, the high school G.E.M.S. program focuses on growth in the areas of academics, self-development, self-esteem, empowerment, future goal planning and career development.

“One of the main goals of our chapter is to impact the community,” said Debra Ticey, Minneapolis/St. Paul Alumnae Chapter President. “Any way we can mentor young girls to be role models is valuable. We’ve actually had some past young women who have been part of the delta academy come back to become members of our organization.”