Educational Development

As an organization of college-educated women. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. plays an active role in the educational movement, seeking to inspire, motivate and support the aspirations and achievements of youth and young adults.  To help promote and enhance academic excellence through programs, tools, and scholarships. The ultimate goal of the committee is to design and develop educational programs and activities that will increase the RAC’s effectiveness in the community in the field of education.

Our Educational Development Programs

 Arts and Letters – Annual Oratorical Contest

The is an annual contest that provides young people with an opportunity to develop and receive recognition for their public speaking skills.  Contestants are judged based on a set of criteria that measure their creativity, demonstration of intellectual thinking, and positive expression in an original written and oral presentation of the annual theme.

 

Delta Academy-The Dr. Betty Shabazz Leadership Academy

Delta Academy was created “to catch the dreams” of our African American girls aged 11-14 and guide their positive dreams and aspirations to a successful future. The purpose is to save our girls from academic failure, low self-esteem, and social ills. To demonstrate the relevance to a girl’s future of scholarship in the areas of math, science, technology, and non-traditional careers; sisterhood as it relates to relationships with peers and Delta members; and service in the form of leadership and service-learning.

 

Delta GEMS- “Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully”

The Dr. Jeanne L. Noble Delta GEMS, named for Delta’s 12th National President was implemented to “catch the dreams” of African American at-risk, adolescent girls aged 14-18. This program provides the framework to actualize those dreams through the performance of specific tasks that develop a “CAN DO” attitude.  The goals for Delta GEMS are to instill the need to excel academically; the high levels of academic success; to assist girls in proper goal setting and planning for their futures, 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.

 

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 is designed to address these issues through dialogue, and recommendations for change and action.

 

FAST (Family and School Teams)

F.A.S.T. (Families and Schools Team) members mentor teen mothers and young women enrolled at the Richmond Alternative School by way of a monthly hour-long meeting. These meetings include various topics of discussion to enlighten the young women and provide them with a different perspective on life as women in today’s society and their role as mothers. Chapter members are encouraged to support the teen mothers by providing gently used and/or new baby clothing and other needed items (i.e. car seats and baby furniture).

 

Laverne Morton Williams High Achievers Program

The Laverne Morton Williams High Achievers Award Program is an annual program designed to motivate all high school students, regardless of their course of study, to continue to excel in their academic pursuits, to understand the importance of becoming high achievers, and to encourage others to do the same.

 

Infinite Scholars College Fair

The Infinite Scholars Program is hosted by Delta House Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Richmond Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  This is program provides an opportunity for students to meet with various colleges, partake in the admission process and acceptance status.  It is designed to recruit students through scholarships, and college and admission fairs.  This program is the only one of its kind in the Commonwealth of Virginia and is open to high school students statewide.

Jabberwock

A Delta tradition, Jabberwock engages its participants in a plethora of cultural, educational, and social opportunities. It represents a Cotillion program of elegance and entertainment that showcases the gifts and talents of the young women program. Activities designed to enhance self-esteem, intensify leadership potential, and boost academic achievement are among the many opportunities afforded participants. Through the solicitation of patrons and ads, participants raise funds that are earmarked for scholarships and given to young women and men of promise and ability.

Scholarship Awards

 Enhancing the lives of residents of the youth, acknowledging educational achievement, and encouraging continued academic pursuits are primary objectives of the Scholarship Committee. Our chapter presents annual scholarship program awards and recognizes graduating high school students who are residents of the Richmond Metro area. These scholarship recipients are those who display academic excellence, community service, leadership skills, and who choose to attend an institution of higher learning.

 

SWAP (Students with a Promise)

SWAP, “Students with A Promise” Awards is a recognition for promising students in elementary, middle and high school, who have shown significant improvement in the area of Language.  The recipient of this award does not have to be an Honor Roll student, but a student who is working diligently to improve his/her academic performance.  The initiative falls under the chapters Educational Development Committee and the committee’s objective is to promote excellence in education and to encourage all students to do their best.