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The Debutante Scholarship Experience:
ReDesigned & ReImagined
What is a 'Debutante?'
...a young woman making her first appearance in fashionable society. She is a Prepared, Educated, And Radiant Lady,
ready to serve her community.
Since 1961, thirty-two (32) biennial Debutante Scholarship Programs have hosted over 450 qualifying African American female high school Juniors and Seniors within Lexington and the surrounding Central Kentucky area. During that time, approximately $750,000+ have been awarded in scholarships to further their post-secondary education.
As the PREMIER, longest running, African American Debutante Program in Kentucky, our Delta Debutante alumnae can be found in places of leadership and excellence throughout the country: Performing on Broadway, University & college campuses, corporate offices, educational fields, STEM careers, finance & accounting, health & medical fields, law & various legal professions, and countless other professional pursuits.
Wherever you look, our distinguished former Debutantes are there!
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The Delta Debutante experience seeks to:
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Motivate higher academic achievement;
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Encourage participants to envision & set lofty educational goals;
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Develop business and social etiquette skills;
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Expose students to other purposeful workshops, college & career prep information, forums & highly successful people to stimulate their growing success.
Additionally, Delta Debutantes are involved in various community service projects to develop an awareness and commitment to advance and give-back to our communities.
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This six-month developmental experience culminates in our elegantly formal Debutante Scholarship Ball where Debutantes are presented to society and awarded earned scholarships and program awards.
Debutante Scholarship Program Criteria
All applicants must meet the following:
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Current High School Junior or Senior within the Lexington or Central Kentucky area during the program year;
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Minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average or higher;
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Active in school, church, community-based activities;
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Complete and submit an application packet (typed or neatly printed) by the official deadline and must include:
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One (1) official school transcript from current school
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Two (2) letters of recommendation from a teacher, high school counselor, religious leader, or mentor (no family members);
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75-word essay on why applicant wants to participate in the program; and
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Abide by all other criteria as noted in the official Debutant Handbook (provided at informational session).