2027 Essence of Ebony Pearls Application

Young Ladies and Parents:

Since 2001, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter has dedicated itself to presenting a new generation of young ladies into society. The Essence of Ebony Pearls Debutante Scholarship Cotillion is a unique program that seeks to further develop and prepare its participants for transitioning into womanhood and for making their official entrance into society at a formal presentation. During this preparatory process, the Debutante focuses on her social, academic, leadership, and civic development and is involved in a series of workshops and activities that aim to expose the participants to leadership training, community engagement, and camaraderie. Our goal is to develop young women through essential life-changing instruction and experience.

Debutante Characteristics include:

High Scholastic achievement

Focus of goals and aspirations beyond High School

Outstanding character and leadership

Commitment to service in school/community
For Debutante Cotillion participation, young ladies must meet the following criteria:

High school junior or senior

Good academic standing (GPA of 2.5 or higher)

Participation in extracurricular school activities

Volunteer in civic/community programs

Demonstrated leadership skills

Maintain high moral values and self-respect

Never have been arrested or detained for any criminal act

Is not a parent/become a parent or pregnant before the Cotillion

Two Character References
Participants will engage in a series of workshops and instructional sessions led by dedicated mentors over the course of several months. The culmination of their Debutante training will be the Cotillion, scheduled for Saturday, February 27th, 2027.
Carefully review the materials and submit the application by September 1st, 2026, to the Youth Development Foundation. All parts of the application must be received by the deadline. If technical assistance is needed, please contact us at ydfdebutante@gmail.com

A Parent/Legal Guardian MUST accompany you during the interview and orientation. Receipt of application does not guarantee an invitation. Applicants will be contacted via email for Selection Interviews. Upon meeting the eligibility requirements and receiving acceptance to participate in the 14th Biennial Essence of Ebony Pearls Debutante Cotillion, you will need to submit a non-refundable participation fee of $100.00. Fee will be due during Orientation. Date to be determined and link will be provided for payment.
Student Application Information
Full Name of Student
Student Email Address
Address

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

CityState

Zip Code
Cell Phone
Birthdate

MonthDayYear
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
Age
SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS

Please share your usernames for the following platforms:
SnapChat
TikTok
Facebook
Instagram
EDUCATION
High School
Grade
2026 - 2027 school year
Please provide your current weighted GPA as reported on your last report card.
Proof of academic standing - Please upload a clear, complete copy of your final report card from the 2026 school year.

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School Activities
Attach additional page(s) if needed

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Civic/Community/Volunteer Activities
Attach additional page(s) if needed

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COLLEGE INTEREST
College or University you plan to attend
Intended major
"Why are you interested in becoming a Debutante, and how do you believe this experience will contribute to your personal development?" (300 words or less). We ask that you respond to this question in your own words. Please do not use AI or automated tools to complete this section.
Medical Concerns
Are there any known medical conditions or concerns, including allergies? If yes, please provide details. This information will remain confidential.
Please describe:
Character References

(2) character reference letters are required. At least one must be written by a teacher, school counselor, or school administrator.
1st Character Reference
Phone
Job Title
Email
Upload Reference letter

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2nd Character Reference
Phone
Job Title
Email
Upload Reference letter

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Emergency Contact
Phone
Relationship to participant
Alternate Emergency Contact
Phone
Relationship to participant
Parent/Legal Guardian Information
NOTE: By signing this agreement, you are authorizing participation of your child as their parent/legal guardian to participate in all activities of the Debutante Experience. You are also agreeing to the use of photography/video of your child during the Debutante Experience. No personal or demographic information provided on this application will be used for any other purpose than for the Foundations' records. At any time during the Debutante Experience the participant may be excused by either the parent/legal guardian or the Foundations for reasons unbecoming of a Debutante and/or personal choice. As the parent/legal guardian, you agree that failure of the participant and/or parent to comply with the criteria, the Debutante will be asked to discontinue. The Participation Fee and Presentation Fee are non-refundable.
Parent Full Name
Phone
Address

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

CityState

Zip Code
Parent/Legal Guardian Email
Parent/Legal Guardian Signature - Please type your full name
Cotillion Activities and Fundraising in Partnership with the Youth Development Foundation of Pinellas County, Inc.
Should be Empty:

Student Application Information

Medical Concerns

Character References

Parent/Legal Guardian Information