The Fairfax County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Delta GEMS & Delta Academy youth programs applications are now OPEN for the 2026-2027 program year!
We welcome all pre-teen (Delta Academy) and teen (GEMS) girls residing in Fairfax County to apply. More information about Delta Academy or Delta GEMS programs can be found below.
Please send questions to:
FCAC Delta GEMS Coordinator, Arianna Worthy - GEMS@fcacdst.org
FCAC Delta Academy Coordinator, Volita Russell - ACADEMY@fcacdst.org
APPLICATIONS CLOSE SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2026
Delta Academy provides an opportunity for FCAC to enrich and enhance the education that our young teens receive in public schools across the nation. Specifically, we augment their scholarship in math, science, and technology, their opportunities to provide service in the form of leadership through service learning defined as the cultivation and maintenance of relationships. A primary goal of the program is to prepare young girls for full participation as leaders in the 21st Century. Some planned activities implemented most often include computer training, self-esteem and etiquette workshops, field trips for science experiences or college exposure, and special outings to cultural events, museums, plays, and concerts.
The goals for Delta GEMS:
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To instill the need to excel academically;
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To provide tools that enable girls to sharpen and enhance their skills to achieve high levels of academic success;
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To assist girls in proper goal setting and planning for their futures in high school and beyond; and
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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 through activities that provide opportunities for self-reflection and individual growth. Delta GEMS, like Delta Academy, is implemented by chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and participants have the opportunity to define and “Discover their individual Brilliance.”
Both informal and empirical data suggests that the vast majority of African-American males continue to be in crisis and are not reaching their fullest potential educationally, socially and emotionally. EMBODI is designed to address issues related to STEM education, culture, self-efficacy, leadership, physical and mental health, healthy lifestyle choices, character, ethics, relationships, college readiness, fiscal management, civic engagement and service learning. Click HERE to watch our "Beyond The Classroom: Navigating Relationships, Ethics, and Character Development." panel discussion.