Written on: March 10, 2022 by SprayTM
The Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) is now accepting applications for the Madam C.J. Walker Scholarship. First awarded in 2021, and funded by the generous support of Mary Kay Inc., the scholarship supports under-represented minority students of any gender identity 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 .
Two $5,000 scholarships will be awarded again this year. The application period runs from March 1–May 1, 2022. The
Scholarship Selection Committee will select and notify the awardees on or about August 1, 2022.
Madame C.J. Walker
Madam C. J. Walker (born Sarah Breedlove; 1867-1919) was an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political andsocial activist. She is regarded as the first female self -made millionaire in the U.S. 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.
“Madam C. J. Walker is an icon who spent her entire career breaking through barriers to become one of the nation’s greatest entrepreneurs despite the many obstacles that stood in her path,” said Dr. Lucy Gildea, Chief Innovation Officer, Product & Science at Mary Kay.
“It is important that we continue to honor her legacy by supporting young, minority scientists. By partnering with SCC and creating the Madam C.J. Walker scholarship, we hope to inspire and empower the next generation of student scien tists who want to follow in Walker’s footsteps.”
In addition to the $5,000 scholarships, each awardee will receive a travel voucher, accommodation, student poster and registration to attend the SCC 76th Annual Scientific Meeting & Showcase, Dec. 12-14, 2022, in Los Angeles, CA, where they will be presented with a ceremonial scholarship check at the Awards Breakfast. Last year, the awardees had the pleasure of meeting Madam Walker’s great-great granddaughter and biographer, A’Lelia Bundles, at the breakfast.
“The SCC is grateful for the ongoing, generous support of our scholarship sponsor, Mary Kay Inc., as we pursue our efforts to support diversity and inclusion for under-represented populations in the cosmetics and personal care industry,” said Erica O’Grady, CAE, CEO of SCC.
“We are thrilled to continue this important scholarship program and honor the legacy of the legendary Madam CJ Walker.”
