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What is a 'Debutante?'
...a DEBUTANTE is a young woman formally introduced to society, traditionally symbolizing her transition into adulthood.
While debutante balls have European roots,
African American communities began
organizing their own in the early 20th
century—not only to celebrate grace and
maturity, but also to emphasize scholarship,
leadership, cultural pride, and community
service in the face of exclusion from mainstream events. These traditions created powerful spaces for young Black women to be honored, uplifted, and prepared for a lifetime of success.
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!​​
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 female high school Junior or Senior within the Lexington or Central Kentucky area during the 2025-2026 program year.
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Minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average, accompanied by an official transcript.
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Participants shall be neither married, an expectant mother, or a parent.
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Have plans of acquiring a post-secondary education.
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75-100 word essay on provided topic.
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Active in school, religious, civic, or community-based organizations, verified and accompanied by two submitted letters of recommendation (1 from current school counselor or teacher and 1 from community organization, religious entity, or mentor).
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Shall always display appropriate and respectable behavior befitting a Delta debutante and abide by all other criteria as noted in the official Debutante Handbook (provided at Fall orientation session).
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Grievous misbehavior, cursing, disrespect, etc. will not be tolerated and may result in dismissal from the scholarship program without financial repayment.
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Submit completed application packet by the official deadline.