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The Foundation has an active membership of over two hundred women dedicated to the overall improvement of the quality of life for citizens in the Baton Rouge metropolitan area, particularly women and children. Specific projects undertaken by these women prior to and following incorporation of the Foundation include such timely efforts as: Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy is an on-going initiative that is designed to introduce young girls ages eleven to nineteen to and/or increase their awareness and/or knowledge of the following topics: science, mathematics, engineering, technology, career planning/job readiness, economics/financial management, community service, entrepreneurship, interpersonal skills, ethical behavior, etiquette and leadership skills. Activities supporting goals related to Project SEE have been incorporated since 2002. Delta Academy has been funded, in part, by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, US Department of Labor, State Senator Melvin 'Kip' Holden and METHODS Technology Solutions, Inc. Wi$e Up is a project developed by the Women?s Bureau in support of the Department of Labor?s Strengthening the Family Initiative. It is designed specifically for women in their twenties and thirties to enable them to explore the world of financial security and retirement savings. Baton Rouge Sigma is one of two chapters of Delta Sigma Theta (and the only organization in Louisiana) to engage in this program. Youth Summit has been held for the past twenty years. It was originally started to provide participants with the opportunity to attend sessions geared toward improving their ability to take standardized tests (e.g., high-stakes assessment tests, the high school exit exam, the ACT and the SAT). Additional sessions have been added over the years. These include conflict resolution, career planning and general economics. Seminars are conducted and led by local community leaders and outstanding teen volunteers. This event is co-sponsored by Family Services of Greater Baton Rouge. Arts and Letters Committee annually recognizes the artistic talents of East Baton Rouge high school students. During this event, outstanding artists who have made significant contributions to the arts are presented with the Pearl Award. Jabberwock is a biennial cultural extravaganza highlighting the local artistic talents. During this event, young ladies are provided with the opportunity to make their debut into society. Proceeds from this event are dedicated to providing educational assistance in the form of tuition reimbursements and stipends for textbooks and related educational supplies for young women pursuing their education at state colleges and universities. Summit V: Health and Healing concentrates on health issues affecting African-American women and children. The Foundation partnered with Baton Rouge Recreation and Parks Commission (BREC) and the local chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. to sponsor a community-wide HIV/AIDS awareness program. A specially-designed program is also held at the local youth correctional facility. School America / Arts and Science Discovery Institute provides exciting and challenging experiences in the arts and sciences for children eight to twelve years old residing in under-served communities. The arts activities are directed by well-known and accomplished community artists. This project has been funded, in part, by the Arts Council of Greater of Baton Rouge. Doug Williams Football and Cheerleader Clinic is a free annual, nationally recognized event conducted in partnership with BREC. The football clinic has been operating for over twenty years with the cheerleader clinic being added more recently. Children between the ages of five and seventeen meet and work with football players and coaches from National Football League (NFL) teams as well as coaches and players from local high school and universities. Beginning in 2004, the Foundation will partner with Coach Pete Richardson and the Southern University football team to sponsor this event along with PepsiCo and Coca-Cola. In celebration of International Awareness and Involvement, the Foundation partners with local Girl Scout troops and middle schools to sponsor an International Taste Fair and Exhibit. Participants prepare ethnic dishes and wear native clothing to demonstrate a new awareness of other countries and cultures. |



