Community leaders to cut ribbon on first founded by black sorority

Social Justice High School to open this fall in Detroit’s midtown

DETROIT – The Detroit Delta Preparatory Academy for Social Justice, which opens this fall, was founded by the Detroit Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the largest organization of African-American women. It is the first charter school opened by a member organization of the National Pan-Hellenic Council Inc., known as the “Divine 9.” The members of these nine Black Greek Letter Organizations comprise a major percentage of the college-educated professionals in the African-American community.

The high school will be a rigorous, personalized and highly interactive four-year magnet school, with a college preparatory curriculum. Beginning with 9th and 10th grades this fall, a grade level will be added each year. It will be a small personalization high school, with enrollment capped at 125 students per grade level.

Emphasis will be placed on social justice that is culturally relevant. Students will be exposed to and readied for college study geared towards careers involving: social justice advocacy and social change; the legal system and law enforcement; as well as political science and public affairs. Through internships and class projects, students will obtain work experience in social justice and legal arenas. The school will also focus on preparation to excel at organized writing, standardized tests and pertinent measures for college admission.

Ribbon Cutting & Open House
Sunday, August 24th from 3 – 5 p.m.
Detroit Delta Preparatory Academy for Social Justice
3550 John C. Lodge Freeway (at Martin Luther King) Detroit, MI 48201

More than 1,000 supporters, including elected officials and leaders in the education, business, religious and nonprofit communities are expected to attend

“We invite students and their families to join us at Delta Prep as we transform the range of choices for quality education in the city of Detroit,” says Detroit Alumnae Chapter President Marcia A. Jackson. “This project has been our passion and we thank all of those who worked with us to see this dream come true.”

“Our students will receive a rigorous education in a safe, nurturing environment with professionals who are keeping scholastic endeavor as our top priority,” says Delta Prep Principal Meagan L. Brown, Ed.S. “Upon graduation, students will be knowledgeable about global issues, mindful of the community they serve, and well prepared for college.”

The Detroit Alumnae Chapter’s membership includes teachers, curriculum specialists, learning specialists, assistant and full principals, active and retired assistant and full superintendents, involved parents and citizen volunteers. Delta Academy’s opening is testament to the Chapter’s dedication to the community’s educational development and social uplift.

The school is chartered by authorizing agency Ferris State University. The founding process was supported by partner Michigan Future Schools and the management agency for the 501(c) (3) non-profit school is EQUITY.

The Institute for Student Achievement, the instructional partner, is nationally recognized for its approach to teaching social justice themes. More than 81 percent of ISA high school graduates have graduated from college in four years or are currently attending college.

“It is a privilege to be able to do what I think is so critically important: to ensure all high school students have access to excellent schools, programs and opportunities, and that all teachers are equipped to support their success,” says ISA President Gerry House, Ed.D.

“We are absolutely thrilled to see this dream of instituting such a comprehensive educational program that includes a high level educational curriculum and exposure to community-serving career fields and college preparation,” says Edythe Hayden Friley, a founding member of the Delta Prep board.

For more information about Detroit Delta Preparatory Academy for Social Justice, visit www.DetroitDeltaPrep.com. For more information about ISA visit www.studentachievement.org.
For media or interview requests, or to RSVP for the ribbon-cutting event, contact Lisa Wilmore at (313) 980-4766 or e-mail Lisa.Wilmore@comcast.net.

About Detroit Delta Preparatory Academy for Social Justice
Delta Prep seeks to achieve the mission of cultivating and nurturing the spirit and capacity for academic achievement, intellectual diversity, critical thinking, good citizenship, artistic appreciation and personal accomplishment in every single student and graduate.

Academy Vision Statement
The Detroit Delta Preparatory Academy provides a superior learning environment where the highest standards of teaching, learning and leading prepare students to fully participate as leaders in society.

Academy Theme
The principles of social justice encompass the fair and proper administration of laws conforming to the natural law that all persons, irrespective of ethnic origin, gender, possessions, race, religion, etc. are to be treated equally and without prejudice.

Academy Motto
'Truth, Justice and Understanding'

Careers in Social Justice and Law Enforcement: Focus on social justice related careers including the courts, law criminology, juvenile justice system, etc. – as well as very special social justice topics. Students will gain an understanding of the American legal system and explore community and institutional correction systems. Through an internship program and projects, students can obtain work experience within various criminal justice agencies. Careers: law enforcement careers, forensic science/criminal scene investigator (CSI) Federal Law Enforcement Careers, Correctional Careers, Legal/Court Careers.

Careers in Political Science and Public Affairs: Focus on the development of citizens who are active and informed on a wide range of political systems: local, state, national and global. The curriculum is designed to foster an understanding of the responsibilities and rights to active, informed participants within these systems. It will ensure a basic knowledge of the ideas, institutions and processes of politics and government. Students will be prepared to pursue a career in law, government, public affairs, non-profit organizations and the private sector. Careers: Law, Paralegal/Legal Assistant, Intelligence Analyst, Non-Profit Organization Executive Director, Operations Manager, Human Resources Generalist, General Project Manager, Government Program Manager, Policy Analyst, Government Affairs Manager, Political Science Instructor, Legislative Police Analyst.

Careers in Community Development and Environmental Science: Focus on social change: vulnerable and oppressed people, issues of poverty, unemployment, discrimination and other forms of social injustice. Contemporary community development, diversity, regional and global issues and trends, environmental problems. Careers: Community Service Worker, Social/Human Service Worker, Counselor, Economist, Urban Planner, Sociologist, Linguistic Specialist, Marriage and Family Therapist, Substance Abuse and Behavioral disorder Counselor, Psychologist, Medical and Public Health Social Worker, Occupational Therapist.


About Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – Detroit Alumnae Chapter
Detroit Deltas are college-educated women who are community leaders, serving in a variety of professions, including education, health care and law. Other Detroit Delta public service activities include providing homeless shelters with meals and the construction and operation of Delta Manor, a residential facility for seniors. In recent years, Detroit Deltas have awarded more than a half-million dollars in scholarship funds. For more information, go to www.DetroitDeltas.com.

About Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is a public service organization of college educated women with more than 250,000 members worldwide, committed to the constructive development of its members and to public service with a primary focus on the Black community.

The major programs of the sorority are based on the organization's Five Point Programmatic Thrust:
*Economic Development
*Educational Development
*International Awareness and Involvement
*Physical and Mental Health
*Political Awareness and Involvement

For more information about Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. see www.DeltaSigmaTheta.org

About Institute for Student Achievement
For more than 20 years, the Institute for Student Achievement has partnered with school leaders to transform high schools so students who are traditionally underserved and underperforming graduates are prepared for success in college. www.studentachievement.org