Madam CJ Walker Scholarship

Madam C.J. Walker Scholarship

Scholarship sponsored by Mary Kay

The Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) Madam C.J. Walker Scholarship supports under-represented minorities of any gender identity pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in STEM disciplines related to the cosmetics and personal care industry . The scholarship, awarded since 2021, exemplifies SCC’s initiatives to support diversity, equity and inclusion and Mary Kay's commitment to developing the next generation of cosmetic scientists.

Applicants for the scholarship:

Must be an under-represented minority (as defined in the program rules);
May be of any gender identity:
Must be enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university in the US or Canada; and
Must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in chemical, physical, medical, pharmaceutical, biological or related sciences and technology relative to the cosmetics and personal care industry.

[READ THE COMPLETE PROGRAM RULES, ELIGIBILITY RULES, AND APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS]

A $5,000 check is presented to each awardee. In addition to the scholarship funds, SCC provides each awardee with the following to attend the Society's Annual Scientific Meeting & Showcase:

A $350 travel voucher;
Two (2) night’s accommodations at the host hotel;
Complimentary student poster to showcase their research;
Complimentary full access registration; and
Ceremonial presentation of the scholarship at the annual Awards Breakfast.

About Madam C.J. Walker

Madam C. J. Walker (born Sarah Breedlove; 1867-1919) was an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political and social activist. She is regarded as the first female self-made millionaire in America. Walker made her fortune by developing and marketing a line of cosmetics and hair care products for black women through the business she founded, Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company. At the time of her death, she had helped create the role of the 20th Century, self-made American businesswoman; established herself as a pioneer of the modern black hair-care and cosmetics industry; and set standards in the African-American community for corporate and community giving. Learn more at madamcjwalker.com/about.