D’Estee, Inc. is a section 501(C)3 not for profit, that responds to the unmet needs of youth and adults by providing literacy programs, teen educational projects, educational seminars, computer, and scholarships. This year the Board of Directors of D’Estee, Inc. will award two (2) renewable (up to three times) and nine (9) non-renewable: (1) to a 2026 high school graduate, (2) a college student, or (3) a graduate student attending an HBCU.
Mary Moore Scholarship
Mary Moore was a vibrant member of the Chicago Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and a graduate of Tennessee State University. She was an avid supporter of HBCU's, because of their passion to a cultural education and development both in and out of the classroom. In honor of her legacy Mary’s family in partnership with D'Estee, Inc. will offer $2,000 scholarships across the three categories. Eight (8) scholarships are non-renewable and two (2) are renwable for up to three times.
Eligibility
Applicants to the Mary Moore Scholarship must meet the following criteria:
- A member of the class of 2026, enrolled in an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges & Universities), for the fall of 2026
- Or currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at an HBCU for the fall of 2026
- Or are currently enrolled as a graduate student attending an HBCU fall of 2026
- African-American
- Resident of Chicago, Illinois
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5
- One who is actively participating in community service with a commitment to the African-American Community on an ongoing basis
L.M. Dixon Scholarship
L.M. Dixon is a member of the Chicago Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. D'Estee, Inc. will award one (1) non-renewable $1,500 scholarship to a student pursuing a career in public policy or the legal field. Undergraduate majors include Public Policy, Pre-Law, Political Science. Post graduate studies in Law or Public Policy.
Eligibility
Applicants to the L.M. Dixon Scholarship must meet the following criteria:
- A member of the class of 2026, enrolled in an accredited University for the fall of 2026
- Or currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at an Accredited University for the fall of 2026
- Or are currently enrolled as a graduate student attending an Accredited University for the fall of 2026
- Pursuing legal/pubic policy related major
- African-American
- Resident of Chicago, Illinois
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5
- One who is actively participating in community service with a commitment to the African-American Community on an ongoing basis
Mary Moss Scholarship
Mary Moss is a member of the Chicago Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. D'Estee, Inc. will award one (1) four year renewable ($1,000 annually for four years) scholarship to a Chicago Public School High School senior pursuing a baccaluareate degree. The total amount awarded to one (1) student is $4,000
Eligibility
Applicants to the Mary Moss Scholarship must meet the following criteria:
- A member of the class of 2026, enrolled in an accredited University for the fall of 2026
- Chicago Public School High School senior
- African-American
- Resident of Chicago, Illinois
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5
- One who is actively participating in community service with a commitment to the African-American Community on an ongoing basis
The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. CST, March 13, 2026. The announcement of the award will take place on or prior to June 30, 2026.
The process includes a short (10-15 minutes) virtual interview scheduled after submission and confirmation of eligibility.
** Proof of enrollment is required prior to disbursement of funds in the fall of 2026 **
Please forward questions to scholarships.desteeinc@gmail.com