Undergrad, graduate, and post-grad STEM students seeking careers in beauty and wellness: you have until May 31 to apply for the Madam C.J. Walker Scholarship, offered by the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) and Mary Kay Inc.
Named for America's first female self-made millionaire, who built her fortune by creating and selling her own line of hair-care products, the scholarship offers $5K and more to students seeking a degree in “chemical, physical, medical, pharmaceutical, biological, or related sciences and technology relative to the cosmetics and personal care industry.”
Two $5K scholarships will be awarded to underrepresented individuals (defined as Black/ Brown/ African American; Native/ American Indian/ Indigenous Peoples; or Hispanic/ Latin American) of any gender.
Finalists receive a year’s membership to SCC and a prize package that includes a trip to L.A. for the SCC’s 80th Annual Meeting & Showcase in December.
The prize includes a complimentary poster at the event, which will be eligible for additional awards in the Showcase’s student poster competition.
Completed applications and all supporting materials including transcripts and recommendation letters are due by 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, May 31.
Applicants are asked to describe how they embody the spirit of Walker, a renowned businesswoman and philanthropist who founded the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Corp. in 1910.
Her company gave financial opportunities to thousands of Black women across the U.S., hired as sales representatives for in-demand products Walker formulated for kinky, coily, and curly hair.