About the Renaissance Debutante Program

AN OVERVIEW OF THE MENTORING MINISTRY AND THE PROGRAM

THE MINISTRY

The Mentoring Ministry of the Convent Avenue Baptist Church of New York City is a ministry of the Board of Christian Education and has membership with the Mentoring Partnership of New York and Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City. The ministry matches trained mentors with youth ages 8–18 to promote leadership and cultural educational, personal and spiritual development through one-to-one mentoring and group activities.

MISSION

Through faith-centered programming, the Renaissance Debutante Program fosters personal development; equips participants with skills for their unique life challenges; combats and supplements negative images and stereotypes of Black women and Black people prevalent in the mainstream; and provides a platform for our young people to shine.

THE PROGRAM

As an integral component of the Mentoring Ministry, the Renaissance Debutante Program is an enrichment initiative providing education and development for young ladies in their freshman through senior years of high school in the areas of faith-based values, etiquette and social graces, career exploration and culture, and equips them with the tools to enhance their self-confidence and develop their leadership potential.

A key element maintained throughout the course of the program is the support of Christian women who are committed to our youth. The efforts of the Mentoring Ministry enable these young ladies to partake in sessions that explore the skills, self-cofidence and faith that will allow them to share their unique gifts with their communities and the world boldly and unapologetically. More importantly, the Mentoring Ministry serves as role models to inspire and guide the continued development of our Debutantes.

THE COTILLION

After completing eight weeks of intensive workshops, the Debutantes and Junior Debutantes begin practicing their waltz; polishing their public speaking skills; and perfecting their courtesy to delight their family and friends at the culmination of the program — the Renaissance Debutante Cotillion.

In April of 2005, the Mentoring Ministry hosted its inaugural Renaissance Debutante Cotillion at the historic Alhambra Ballroom in Harlem. The event has continued to grow in the subsequent years, and we look forward to making 2020 yet even bigger and more amazing as we continue to establish the legacy of the Renaissance Debutante Cotillion.