Since 1998, the Youth Development Foundation of Pinellas, Inc. (YDF), through its youth development and scholarship program has been serving the needs of the greater St. Petersburg and Pinellas County. YDF, was established by the members of the Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter
of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. to enhance their legacy of service to the community and is a designated 501( c ) 3 organization. The purpose of the YDF is to the enhance the quality of life for targeted youth and families in Pinellas County, by securing funds to provide program activities and services, which focus on education and scholarships, health, the arts, the family unit as well as foster economic and community development within our community.
The Signature Program of YDF is the AKAdemy. Through a generous grant provided by the Pinellas County Juvenile Welfare Board, the AKAdemy annually serves hundreds of students in southern Pinellas County in the areas of Educational Development, Leadership Development, Health & Wellness, Economic Security, Team Building and Community Engagement.
Other YDF programs include, the Debutante Scholarship Cotillion (held bi-annually) and the High School Merit Scholarship Program. During 2023, the amount of scholarships awarded during the Debutante Cotillion was more than $15,000. YDF also presented over $60,000 to college-bound high school seniors in Pinellas County during the annual AKA AKAdemy Scholarship and Awards Showcase. The Youth Development Foundation accepts donations from individuals, other organizations, sponsorships from corporations as well as in-kind services to help promote its goals and further the mission of the organization.
2023-24 AKAdemy Newsletter.pdf
2022-23 AKAdemy Newsletter.pdf
Click here to view the AKAdemy Facebook page.
AKAdemy Showcase 2023
Essence of Ebony Pearls Debutante Scholarship Cotillion
Biennially, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter in partnership with the Youth Development Foundation of Pinellas County, Inc. conducts its Debutante Cotillion.
The application is now available for the 2025 Debutante season!!!! Please note the applications are due no later than September 1, 2024.
Please click the links below.
2025 YDF Debutante Flyer
2025 Debutante Application
Click the links below to learn more about the 2023 Debutante Cotillion.
2023 Debutante Program
2023 Debutante Souvenir Book
2023 Debutante Photos
2023 Debutante Video
