international awareness & involvement

The International Awareness & Involvement is the third programmatic thrust initiative of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

The Shelby County (TN) Alumnae Chapter contributes to the One Step Initiative to help inner city students travel abroad. Our chapter collaborates with this organization to provide students from historically under-served neighborhoods, the opportunity to travel abroad and learn about other cultures. Click here to learn more.

One Step Initiative: 

Ghana, West Africa

THANK YOU, as your dollars help to support our International Awareness & Involvement efforts. We are pleased to continue our partnership with One Step Initiative and congratulate the high school students on a safe and successful trip to Ghana, West Africa.

The chapter began partnering with the One Step Initiative in 2015 expanding the thrust of International Awareness and Involvement. The chapter collaborated with the non-profit for an International Business Mixer & Passport Ceremony on January 28, 2018 as students of color represent only about 27 percent of all students who study abroad but constitute about 42 percent of all undergraduates. (CIEE, 2015) Studying abroad offers real benefits by improving graduation rates, academic achievement, social capital, and vocational choices according to NBC News. 

The actual event featured Dr. Sharon Griffin, Chief of Schools for Shelby County Schools, Jennifer Prudehome, COO of One Step Initiative, Inc., Ekundayo Bandele, Founder & CEO of Hattiloo Theatre and other speakers sharing personal stories of global impact.  Guests sampled international food and purchased cosmopolitan art. Entertainment included playing of African instruments like the djimbe drum, kalimba and shakere.

The event culminated with 15 high school students being gifted their first passports prior to a two-week trip to Ghana. Each youth was able to share their thoughts about the program and their excitement on the upcoming trip. This project is part of an ongoing commitment expanding the international footprint of our sisterhood through sending representatives to Delta Days at the UN and financially supporting the Sustainability Initiative with events sponsored by the SCTAC International Awareness Committee.