Madam C.J. Walker Scholarship

The Madam C.J. Walker Scholarship provides financial assistance to underrepresented minority undergraduate and graduate students working on a degree in fields of science related to the cosmetics industry. Sponsored by Mary Kay and administered by the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC), the 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. Applicants: Must be an under-represented individual (as defined in the program rules); May be of any gender; Must be enrolled full-time (12 credits or more per semester) 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 academic research; Complimentary student 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 academic research; Complimentary student full access registration; and Recognition as a finalist at the annual Awards Breakfast. 2026 APPLICATION WINDOW: Friday, April 10, 2026 through Sunday, May 31, 2026 (11:59pm ET).