Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated

Minneapolis/St. Paul Alumnae Chapter

Delta GEMS
(Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully)

September 1, 2009

Dear parent/guardian,

The members of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,
Incorporated invite your daughter to apply for the Delta GEMS: Growing and Empowering
Myself Successfully program for the 2009-10 school year. Delta GEMS serves African-American
high school girls in grades 9 _ 12 living in the Twin Cities metro area. The curriculum for the
program focuses on growth in the areas of self-development, self-esteem, empowerment, future
goal planning, and career development.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is a sisterhood of college-educated women committed to service. It

is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to establish and maintain a high standard
of morality and scholarship among minority men and women, while providing services and
programs to promote human welfare. Delta Sigma Theta is the largest predominantly black
women’s organization with over 250,000 women, and more than 900 chapters internationally.

Delta GEMS activities will be held on one Saturday each month from October to June, 10 a.m.
-2 p.m., at Washburn High School in South Minneapolis. There will also be field trips at locations
to be determined (you will receive advance notice of such activities). Transportation to all
activities must be provided for the participant by the parent/guardian.

Please complete the enclosed 2009-10 Delta GEMS application. After applications have been
reviewed, all selected applicants will be invited to interview to participate in Delta GEMS on
Saturday, Oct. 10. If your daughter is selected to be in Delta GEMS, acceptance letters will be
distributed thereafter and an orientation will be held on Saturday, Oct. 31. Note: If your daughter
participated in Delta GEMS during the 2008-09 school year, she will need to re-apply. Her
application will be reviewed along with the other applicants.

The members of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta truly look
forward to the receipt of your daughter’s Delta GEMS application. Completed application
packets are due no later than Wednesday, Sept. 30. Application packets will only be accepted
via U.S. mail or email. Please send to:
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
Minneapolis/St. Paul Alumnae Chapter
ATTN: Delta GEMS
P.O. Box 580709
Minneapolis, MN 55458-0709

If you have questions, please call (612) 886-1473 or e-mail dstmsp@deltaacademygems.com.

Sincerely,

Chakiera Harris, Co-Chair

Youth Development Committee

Enclosure
 Delta GEMS Application Form

Applicant Information

First Name___________________________ Last Name___________________ MI _________

Street Address____________________________________________________Apt. # _______
City________________________________ State___________ Zip Code_________________
Home Phone# (___) __________ _______Cell Phone# (___) ___________________________
Applicant Email Address_________________________________________________________
Age__________ Birthdate (MM/DD/YYYY)_____/________/______ Grade__________
School Attending______________________________________________________________
School Location (city) _______________________________________________________

Other Information
Please list any medical problems, physical limitations and/or drug/food allergies:
___________________________________________________________________________
Please list any current prescription medications:
____________________________________________________________________________________
Please provide other Information that will assist us in interacting with your daughter:
____________________________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Information

First Name___________________________ Last Name ________________________MI___________

Street Address_________________________________________________________Apt#__________
City_______________________________________ State___________ Zip Code_________________
Home Phone# __________________Cell Phone#__________________ Work Phone #______________
Email Address (required)________________________________________________________________

Emergency Contact Person

First Name___________________________ Last Name ___________________________MI_________

Relationship to Applicant _______________________________________________________________
Street Address_______________________________________________________Apt#____________
City______________________________________ State____________ Zip Code_________________
Home Phone# (__) ______________Cell Phone# (___) _____________Work Phone # (__)___________
Email Address ____________________________________________________________________
GEMS Applicant to Complete

Please complete the following questions (Minimum length 4 complete sentences; Please type or hand
write in pen; you can complete answers on an additional sheet of paper)

1. How do you define leadership? Tell us about a time when you were a leader.

2. Why would you like to be a part of the Delta GEMS program? What do you hope to get out of the
program as a participant? What do you think you can contribute to the program?

3. What are your future educational and career goals?

4. How do you define sisterhood? What are three things that you could do to maintain the bond of
sisterhood?
Recommendation Questions to be completed by teacher, counselor, mentor, etc. The questions cannot
be completed by a relative or friend.

1. What is your relationship to the applicant? How long have you known the applicant?

2. What can the applicant contribute to Delta GEMS program?

3. How would Delta GEMS benefit the applicant?

Recommender’s Name (Print) _________________________________________________________

Recommender’s Signature _________________________________________________________
Contact Number _________________________________________________________
Email Address _________________________________________________________
 Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
Minneapolis/St. Paul Alumnae Chapter

Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully

Are you:
• An African-American female
• In grades 9 – 12
• A young woman seeking guidance, support and skills to achieve success
• Interested in developing leadership skills through personal development,
career exploration and community service
• Available 1 Saturday each month to meet adult female leaders and other young
ladies eager to have fun and are motivated about higher learning

If you answered “YES” to any of these statements, we want YOU!

You will:
• Learn valuable leadership skills
• Learn tools for self-empowerment, gain exposure to various colleges and careers,
while enhancing skills to achieve academic success
• Meet other motivated young ladies, develop positive self-esteem, build new circles
of friendship and improve your social and interpersonal skills
• Make an impact in your community by actively participating in service projects

INTERESTED? please e-mail dstmsp@deltaacademygems.com to receive an application!

For more information:

• Contact Chakiera Harris at 612.886.1473.

Don’t delay … Application packets are due Wednesday, September 30,

2009!