An Important Word from our Founder & Executive Director
Dr. Nicole Steele

Diamonds In Development
(PreK - 3rd Grades)

The Diamonds In Development Program is geared toward girls from PreK(4) - 3rd grade and offers monthly educational and entertaining activities. The purpose of the program is to build self-esteem, character, faith and friendships and to build a strong foundation.

Sessions are held the FIRST Saturday of each month. The 2020-2021 Session will offer a blended mix of interactive virtual and live experiences for members and families.
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Clusters Mentoring
(4th - 12th Grades)​

The Clusters Mentoring Program™ is a long-term, group mentoring and leadership development program. This program is offered to girls from 4th - 12th grade (from September through April annually) and has three distinct levels based on age and grade. 

Sessions for 2020-2021 will be offered virtually on a digital platform with periodic live events.  Sessions are held every Saturday morning and include interactive activities, small group discussion, games and ongoing support.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
is virtual mentoring as effective as live mentoring?​
According to statistics virtual mentoring/e-mentoring is effective and can achieve the same goals as face-to-face mentoring including:
  • Providing a positive outlet for girls to learn, grow and share while face-to-face contact is limited
  • Offsetting youth isolation and increasing feelings of belonging and contentedness
  • Increasing social support and feelings of self-efficacy (an individual's belief in his or her capacity to execute behaviors)
  • Offering members a safe space to share and process their feelings
  • Building networks of support
what is the application deadline?
DITR operates on a first-come first-serve basis.   The membership application deadline is August 1st or earlier if we reach capacity.  
​ Will I receive a confirmation after submitting my daughter’s application?
Once a membership application is submitted, participants will be directed to submit the mandatory non-refundable membership registration fee of $35.  Once completed there will be a message of successful transmission on both the screen and with an email payment receipt.  Additional communication will be provided by DITR by mid August with details and instructions on the program roll out.
what it is the start date of the program?
Diamond In The Rough is scheduled to ​kick-off our 2020-2021 program year on Saturday, September 12th.  Details will be provided to members upon registration during the month of August.
​How frequently does the program meet?
Diamond In The Rough offers two primary mentoring programs:

Diamonds In Development for girls pre-k - 3rd grade meets monthly (typically the 1st Saturday of the Month). 

Clusters Mentoring for girls 4th - 12th grades meets on a weekly basis every Saturday morning, with a few minor exceptions.  

what is the cost to participate?
The cost to participate in Diamond In The Rough varies based on the program and level of participation. 
  • Diamonds In Development Membership (pre-k - 3rd grade) - $35/non-refundable registration fee and $15/month.
  • Clusters Mentoring  Membership (4th - 12th grades) - $35/non-refundable registration fee and $35/month.

In addition to these two primary membership based programs, Diamond In The Rough hosts programs, events and provides resources for the general community.  

Is there an option for my child to register as a "general Member"?
There will no be a "General Membership" option for the 2020-2021 program year. 
does my child have to live in gwinnett county?
Due to our blended program model it is not required that participants live in Gwinnett County, however, be aware that most of the live activities that may be planned would likely take place in Gwinnett County or the Atlanta metropolitan area. ​
what if my child has conflicts that prevent her from participating in all sessions?
The success of our program is due in part to our relationship based model which is built on consistency and active participation of members.  At Diamond In The Rough we understand that personal schedules, employment and other extra curricular areas can often create conflicts for members so we ask members to communicate all potential conflict as they arise.