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Youth Programs & Scholarships
Delta GEMS
(Girls Aged 14-18)
Delta Debutantes Scholarship Program
(Junior & Senior Level High School Girls)
Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy
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.
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This program allows the members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, to impact the future while not forgetting from whence we came. With the sorors’ involvement, we can ensure that the future of these girls will be even brighter.
Delta G.E.M.S.
(Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully)
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 at-risk, adolescent girls aged 14-18. Delta GEMS provides the frame work to actualize those dreams through the performance of specific tasks that develop a CAN DO attitude.
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Delta GEMS Goals
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;
To create compassionate, caring, and community minded young women by actively involving them in service learning and community service opportunities.
The Delta GEMS program offers a road map for college and career planning conducts activities that provide opportunities for self-reflection and individual growth. Delta GEMS, like Delta Academy, is implemented by chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Delta Debutante Scholarship Program
1961- The First Debutante
Scholarship Program began
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450+ Lexington area high school
Juniors & Seniors
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$750,000+ awarded in scholarships
Criteria for Participation
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Current female high school Junior or Senior within the Lexington or Central Kentucky area during the 2025-2026 program year.
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Minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average, accompanied by an official transcript.
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Participants shall be neither married, an expectant mother, or a parent.
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Have plans of acquiring a post-secondary education.
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75-100 word essay on why applicant wants to participate in the program.
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Active in school, religious, civic, or community-based organizations, verified and accompanied by two submitted letters of recommendation (1 from current school counselor or teacher and 1 from community organization, religious entity, or mentor).
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Shall always display appropriate and respectable behavior befitting a Delta debutante and abide by all other criteria as noted in the official Debutante Handbook (provided at Fall orientation session).​
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Submit completed application packet by the official deadline.