GEMS is an acronym for Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully. Since its inception in 2004, the Delta GEMS Institute has been designed to provide a vehicle for change for young African-American women between the ages of 14 and 18, enhancing their abilities and increasing their self-worth to achieve academic excellence and Black girl empowerment. The Delta GEMS Curriculum includes activities in the following areas:
Economic Development
▲ College and Careers
▲ Financial Fitness
Educational Development
▲ Leadership
▲ STEM
▲ Social Media Literacy
International Awareness and Involvement
▲ World Health
▲ Physical and Mental Health
▲ Self-Esteem and Confidence Building
▲ Mental Wellness
▲ Nutrition and Healthy Living
Political Awareness and Involvement
▲ Civic Responsibility and Social Action
▲ Juvenile Justice
All applicants must complete the provided application for consideration for admission into the Delta GEMS program. All application components must be received by January 3, 2026. Space is limited. Only accepted applicants will be notified by phone, email, or mail. The Delta GEMS program is scheduled to meet once monthly, beginning on January 10, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Bream Presbyterian Church.
Thank you for your interest in Delta GEMS, and we look forward to building an impactful program.
Please submit the completed application online or to:
CIAC Delta GEMS Co-Chair | P.O. Box 357, Institute, WV 25112
Or scan/email to ciacdstgems@gmail.com
Applications received after January 3, 2026, will not be reviewed
LaToya Davis as Program Chair
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
All participants must meet the following criteria:
☐ Be a young lady entering or attending high school in the fall (grades 9-12)
☐ Submit a completed Delta GEMS application by January 3, 2026
☐ Submit all signed forms after notification of acceptance. (Letter of Consent & Waiver form, Code of Conduct form, Emergency Medical Treatment Authorization form, and Media Release form)
☐ Show a commitment to attend monthly meetings and scheduled activities consistently.
☐ Show a commitment to display a positive attitude and follow the guidelines set forth by the Delta GEMS program.
ACTIVITIES
Activities for Delta GEMS participants may include:
• College and Career
• Money Management 101
• Emergency Preparedness
• Leadership
• College and Career
• Reading Club
• Social Media and Information Literacy
• Black Girls and STEM
• Developing Character
• Physical & Mental Health
• Civic Responsibilities
CODE OF CONDUCT:
Participation in the Delta GEMS requires a strong level of commitment and responsibility. All participants are to adhere to a “Code of Conduct,” which consists of policies and procedures that govern the group. The “Code of Conduct” will be provided to every member of the program.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. formed the Delta Academy in order to expose eleven through fourteen year old girls to enrichment opportunities in the areas of math, science, computer education and non-traditional careers. Young ladies are selected for this program who might not otherwise be afforded this opportunity. The program’s tenets are scholarship, exemplified through exposure to the areas listed above; sisterhood through developing friendships with other participants including those persons leading the program; and service, through a variety of community activities.
All Adults (18+) volunteers must go through Risk Management Training, be interviewed by our Risk Management team, and pass a background check. The following forms must be filled out by all youth program volunteers. You are able to reach risk management at ciacriskmgmtcoord@gmail.com.