Delta GEMS

A natural outgrowth and expansion for the continuation of the highly successful Dr. Betty Shabaaz Delta Academy: Catching theDelta G.E.M.S. (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully) was created to “catch the dreams” of African-American adolescent girls aged 14-18. Delta G.E.M.S. provides the framework to actualize those dreams through the performance of specific task that develop a “CAN DO” attitude.

The goals for the Delta GEMS program can be categorized into the aims of its acronym Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully:

Growing Myself Successfully:To instill the need to excel academically To create compassionate, caring, and community minded young women and actively involve them in service learning and community service opportunities

Empowering Myself Successfully: 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

The mission of the DELTA GEMS Advisory Committee is to provide young ladies with a firm structural program that will enhance their self-esteem, academic achievement, leadership skills, and cultural awareness. This, in turn, will provide them with the opportunity to develop emotionally, socially, and intellectually and be prepared to take an active role in their success as they face the challenges of the world. Topics that will be discussed throughout the 2011-2012 school year components are designed to provide interactive lessons and activities that provide opportunities for self-reflection and individualized growth.