By Megan Braun

For the Salisbury Post

Elect Ladies and Gentlemen, Inc., in partnership with the Salisbury’s Parks and Recreation Department, is currently accepting applications for Gemstones Academy.

Gemstones Academy is a group whose mission is to empower youth by providing them with the skills to achieve their maximum potential by unleashing their gifts, talents and abilities. The core values are scholarship, citizenship, integrity and responsibility. The academy is open to fifth- through 12th-graders beginning in the 2015-16 school year.

The academy will consist of four-phase workshops and seminars focusing on leadership, education, self-esteem and etiquette on the second Saturday of each month for the duration of 12 months.

“This academy, regardless of the student’s economic, social or academic status will meet youth where they are and take them where they need to go,” founder Alisha Byrd said.

“We will also focus on college readiness, making sure the students are applied for financial aid and have been on college tours,” she added.

If you are interested in applying for membership to the Gemstones Academy, visit www.alishabyrd.com and click on the tab “Gemstones Academy.” An application fee of $25 for fifth grade, $35 for sixth through eighth grades, and $50 for ninth through 12th grades is required to cover costs associated with the program and is due with the application. 

Applications are also being distributed throughout the Rowan-Salisbury School System.

Questions and concerns can be directed to Alisha Byrd at gemstones@alishabyrd.com or by calling 704-762-1445.