Madam C.J. Walker Scholarship

Scholarship sponsored by Mary Kay

The Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) Madam C.J. Walker Scholarship supports under-represented individuals of any gender pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate degree in STEM disciplines related to the cosmetics and personal care industry .  The scholarship, first awarded in 2021, signifies the commitment of SCC and sponsor, Mary Kay, to developing the next generation of cosmetic scientists. 

[READ COMPLETE PROGRAM RULES, ELIGIBILITY & APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS]

Applicants:

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

Scholarship & Prizes:

Awardees each receive a USD$5,000 scholarship (payable directly to their educational institution); a complimentary one-year membership in SCC; and a prize package to attend the SCC Annual Scientific Meeting & Showcase, including: 

• A $350 travel voucher;
• Two (2) night’s accommodation 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.

Finalists each receive a complimentary one-year membership in SCC and a prize package to attend the SCC Annual Scientific Meeting & Showcase, including: 

• A $350 travel voucher;
• ONE (1) night’s accommodation at the host hotel;
• Complimentary student poster to showcase their research;
• Complimentary full access registration; and
• Recognition as a finalist 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.

Special Thanks to Scholarship Sponsor

2025 APPLICATION WINDOW:

Monday, April 7, 2025
through
Friday, May 30, 2025 (11:59pm ET)

Apply Now

RECENT AWARD RECIPIENTS

2024 - Karissa Richards (University of Toledo) and Taylor Scott (University of Cincinnati)

2023 - Xylia Ajose (University of Cincinnati) and Precious Ulel (University of California, Irvine)

2022 –  Carolina Aguilera Barraza (Northeastern University) and Collette Tamar Gordon (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

2021 –  Imani Porter (Hampton University) and Joy Rutherford (The Ohio State University)