Delta Programs

Since its founding in 1913, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has clearly distinguished itself as a public service organization that boldly confronts the challenges of African Americans and, hence, all Americans. Over the years, a wide range of programs addressing education, health, international development, and strengthening of the African American family have evolved. In realizing its mission, Delta Sigma Theta provides an extensive array of public service initiatives through its Five-Point Program Thrust of Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement.

Economical Development
Financial planning, money management, consumer education, investments and employment opportunities are but a few of Delta's "money concerns" under economic development. Delta's most outstanding effort in support of the communities it serves is the Adopt-A-Black Business program. The aim of this program is to assist Black entrepreneurs to reach a product "self-sufficiency level" in business.

Educational Development
Each year, local Delta Chapters conduct projects designed to address the community's concerns about excellence in education. On a national level, Delta's pursuit of educational excellence takes the form of scholarships and grants to individual members and local chapters. Scholarships to members underwrite individual studies in law, communications and science on both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Grants to local chapters subsidize locally-sponsored programs in career education, financial and many other educational areas.

International Awareness and Involvement
Delta has a rich history of involvement in the international arena. The building and maintenance of a maternity wing at the Thika Memorial Hospital in Kenya, West Africa, to Delta's identification of 1987 at the "Delta International Year" underscores Delta's commitment to understanding the world. The "African Diaspora," a Delta Cultural Awareness/Study Program, focused on the dispersion of the peoples and cultures of Africa through the continents of North and South America, Europe, Asia and the island countries in the eastern and western hemispheres.

Physical and Mental Health
Concerns about America's physical and mental health have not escaped Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Delta's work in prevention and "wellness" translates to health education programs , health fairs and the provision of health care services. Delta also supports medical research that examines illnesses that victimize specific segments of the country's population.

Political Awareness and Involvement
Though non-partisan in nature and purpose, Delta understands the importance of and the need for an informed electorate. Delta's concern for the public's "need-to-know" and the enfranchisement of all Americans has been the philosophical basis for public service programs in this area. Voter registration and voter education programs, workshops and seminars highlighting elected public official assessment and accountability are ongoing.