The Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy was created out of an urgent sense that bold action is needed to save our young females from the perils of academic failure, low self-esteem, and crippled futures. Delta Academy is an opportunity to enrich the education of girls ages 11-14. Specifically, we will augment their scholarship in math, science ,and technology, provide them with opportunities to develop leadership skills through service learning, and center the cultivation and maintenance of relationships through sisterhood. During Academy sessions, activities are centered on math, science, technology, self-esteem, etiquette and African American history. In addition to building character, self-esteem, and giving back to the community through service learning, field trips are planned to museums and other sites designed to enhance the knowledge of the participants in the identified focus areas. These young ladies experience endless possibilities. The symbol for the Delta Academy is the Dream Catcher, which in Native American culture is believed to possess the power to capture bad dreams, entangling them in a web; thus allowing only the good dreams to pass through the center of the dream hoop into the person’s being.

The EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence) program is designed to refocus the efforts of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. with the support and action of other major organizations, on the plight of African-American males.  EMBODI was created out of an urgent sense that “bold action is needed to save our young males from the perils of academic failure, low self-esteem, and crippled futures.” Knightdale – Wake Forest Alumnae’s EMBODI program is aimed at young African American males ages 11 – 18.  Our program will focus on workshops to support and assist young men with reaching their fullest potential. The goals of EMBODI are:

• To expand the horizons of young African American males by cultivating a personal vision for their lives;
• To provide tools for young African American males to attain a higher quality of life;
• To provide young African American males with an awareness of various college and career options to make rewarding life choices and decisions; and
• To create community-minded young African American males by actively involving them in service learning and community service opportunities.

The Program serves as a motivational tool for African American teenage males with the ultimate goal of increasing their knowledge and awareness of issues affecting young men today.

The Dr. Jeanne L. Noble GEMS (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully) program focuses on a framework that enhances the skills and gifts of African-American young women ages 14-18 by providing a road map for successful college and career planning.

Knightdale-Wake Forest Delta GEMS Program Goals:

• To promote positive societal interactions;
• To instill the need to excel academically;
• To provide tools that enable young women to sharpen and enhance their skills to achieve high levels of academic success;
• To encourage self-confidence, self-motivation, and self-discipline
• To foster meaningful public service activities, including mentoring and networking
• To assist young women in proper goal setting and planning for their futures in 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.

Our programming is designed to provide interactive opportunities to enrich the lives of our youth and prepare them for excellence in high school and beyond. The program sessions are held monthly, including workshops in public speaking, career fairs, and financial awareness. Some examples include college tours, Rise Against Hunger, Leadership Development, and Career Exploration. These benefits will assist them in impacting their communities and overcoming the challenges of the world.

The Knightdale-Wake Forest Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is truly invested in the young women in our community.

If you have any questions or are in need of additional information, please connect with us at kwfgems@kwfalumnae-dst.org.