2023 Scholarships and Grants

NYSCC is excited to help you reach the next step in your academic and professional journey. Read below to learn about each of our scholarship and grant programs. Please note, you can apply to more than one scholarship or grant but we will only give one award per person or institution.
We are now accepting applications for all 2023 Scholarships and Grants. Before beginning the application process, please be sure to review the eligibility guidelines, review the FAQs, and prepare the required documents you will need to submit.
The Scholarship Committee reserves the right to verify the accuracy of any information received as part of your application. By applying, you are giving the Committee permission to do so.
The NYSCC will have a celebratory awards night in December to recognize all scholarship and grant recipients but please refer the key dates for each scholarship to find out when the money will be distributed.
Board Choice Scholarship
Are you passionate about the NYSCC? If so, this scholarship was designed for you. The Board Choice Scholarship was created to inspire student members to reimagine the future of NYSCC. It is the largest scholarship given by the organization and will only be awarded to one lucky undergraduate or graduate student. Each applicant must submit a 1–3-minute video on the topic below and provide one letter of recommendation from a professor or academic advisor. The winner will be chosen based on a vote by our executive board.
Please Note: The winning video may be posted on the NYSCC webpage.
Eligibility requirements
- Must be an undergraduate sophomore/junior/senior or graduate student currently enrolled in a college or university in the United States
- Must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA
- Must be enrolled in a BS or MS program related to cosmetic science (chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, pharmaceutical science, etc.) for at least a part-time schedule
- Must submit one letter of recommendation from an academic advisor, professor, or work manager
- Video Submission: Submit a 1-3 minute video answering the following questions. What is the most impactful thing the NYSCC has done for you? What suggestions do you have for the board to advance the chapter over the next 5 years? What do you plan to do with the scholarship money?
Award Amount: $7500 (one-time payment)
Key Dates
Application Opens | May 15th |
Application Deadline | Jul 15th |
Recipient Announcement | Oct 1st |
Disbursement | Oct 31st |

Roumelia Alina Inclusion & Diversity Scholarship
The Roumelia Alina Inclusion & Diversity Scholarship is a value-based scholarship awarded to applicants who exemplify hard work, perseverance, compassion and collaboration in the advancement of Inclusion & Diversity initiatives.
In honor of our past chapter secretary, Roumelia Alina, this scholarship has been created to honor the virtues that Roumelia displayed as a member of the cosmetic industry, her professional journey, and her contributions to the society. Roumelia’s HARD WORK was exemplary to those she worked for, worked with, and the clients she served. She used her technical abilities as an Account Manager to service her customers, going above and beyond on meet their expectations and needs. She showed PERSEVERANCE in every single position she held in the industry. Even though English was not her first language, that did not deter her from proactively learning and communicating effectively to ensure that she was performing her best in her professional roles. Even when others doubted her, she showed resilience and fortitude by winning customers with her level of service. Roumelia’s COMPASSION was unmatched and attested by all who knew her. Her friendly demeanor was a joy and earned her many meaningful connections both with her colleagues and her customers. She was a true COLLABORATOR and always there to lend a helping hand to those who were in need both personally and professionally. Roumelia embraced inclusion and diversity. She believed that no matter who you are or where you came from, everyone deserves the same opportunity.
Rest in Peace. Roumelia Alina 6.2019
Eligibility requirements
- Must be an undergraduate sophomore/junior/senior or graduate student currently enrolled in a college or university in the United States
- Must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA
- Must be enrolled in a BS or MS program related to cosmetic science (chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, pharmaceutical science, etc.) for at least a part-time schedule
- Must submit a 500 – 1000 word essay explaining why you feel you embody hard work, perseverance, compassion, and collaboration, while also incorporating inclusion & diversity into your everyday life/work.
Award Amount: $5000 (one-time payment)
Key Dates
Application Opens | May 15th |
Application Deadline | Jul 15th |
Recipient Announcement | Oct 1st |
Disbursement | Oct 31st |

Future of Sustainability Scholarship
Sustainability has become a major focus in the beauty industry from ingredients to finished products. One by one companies are announcing their sustainability goals and holding their employees accountable for making those goals a reality. As an industry we’re making progress but we’re still experiencing massive challenges like deforestation and climate change. Author Robert Swan said it best “the greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it”. The Future of Sustainability Scholarship was designed to encourage cosmetic scientists to start thinking about how the industry can address major sustainability challenges.
Eligibility requirements
- Must be an undergraduate sophomore/junior/senior or graduate student currently enrolled in a college or university in the United States
- Must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA
- Must be enrolled in a BS or MS program related to cosmetic science (chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, pharmaceutical science, etc.) for at least a part-time schedule
- Must submit a 500 – 1000 word essay identifying a common practice in the cosmetic industry that is a sustainability concern and how you think this issue can be addressed by scientists and cosmetic organizations.
Award Amount: $5000 (one-time payment)
Key Dates
Application Opens | May 15th |
Application Deadline | Jul 15th |
Recipient Announcement | Oct 1st |
Disbursement | Oct 31st |

General Education Scholarship
The NYSCC General Education Scholarship is a one-time award for undergraduate and graduate students who wish to pursue a career in cosmetic science. This scholarship is focused on providing financial assistance to ensure students have access to quality education that will eventually lead to a successful career in cosmetic science.
Eligibility requirements
- Must be an undergraduate sophomore/junior/senior or graduate student currently enrolled in a college or university in the United States
- Must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA
- Must be enrolled in a BS or MS program related to cosmetic science (chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, pharmaceutical science, etc.) for at least a part-time schedule
- Must submit a 500 word essay about why the NYSCC should grant you a scholarship. What do you intend to do with your degree upon completion? Are you currently involved in any cosmetic science related initiatives, or do you hope to be involved in any cosmetic related initiatives in the future?
Award Amount: $2500 (one-time payment)
Key Dates
Application Opens | May 15th |
Application Deadline | Jul 15th |
Recipient Announcement | Oct 1st |
Disbursement | Oct 31st |

Mentee Next Steps Grant
The Mentee Next Steps grant is exclusive to NYSCC mentees who need financial support to reach the next milestone in their education and career journeys. It lets mentors go the extra mile to help mentees obtain money to achieve their goals. The grant can be used for short courses on topics that are specific to career and personal advancement like public speaking, leading a team, assertive communication, PowerPoint/Excel fundamentals, diversity & inclusion training, etc.
Eligibility requirements
- Must be an active member of the NYSCC
- Must be in the NYSCC mentor-mentee program
- Mentors must submit a recommendation letter explaining why their mentee deserves this grant and how it will help them achieve their future goals
- Mentees must submit a 250-500 word essay telling us how much grant money is needed and how it will be used
Award Amount: up to $5000 (final amount is based on need)
Key Dates
Application Opens | May 15th |
Application Deadline | Jul 15th |
Recipient Announcement | Oct 1st |
Disbursement | Oct 31st |

Upskilling Grant
Have you ever felt like you could improve your PowerPoint skills? Or maybe your current job requires public speaking and you’re not quite as comfortable as you would like to be? The Upskilling Grant is designed for people like you who want to obtain new skills and get a leg up in your career. It is a variable grant of up to $5000 to help you take your credentials and qualifications to the next level. It can be used for short courses on topics that are specific to career advancement like public speaking, leading a team, assertive communication, PowerPoint/Excel fundamentals, diversity & inclusion training, etc.
Special consideration will be given to unemployed members who need to obtain skills to help them get back to work.
Eligibility requirements
- Must be an active member of the NYSCC
- Must be employed in the cosmetic industry or recently unemployed
- Must have a LinkedIn Profile (your profile link will be needed for the application)
- Must submit a 250 – 500 word proposal telling us the cost of the upskilling course you would like to take and how it will help you advance your career to the next level.
- Must be willing to update the scholarship committee once the course has been completed
Award Amount: up to $5000 (one-time payment based on the exact amount needed)
Key Dates
Application Opens | May 15th |
Application Deadline | Jul 15th |
Recipient Announcement | Oct 1st |
Disbursement | Oct 31st |

Grant for Educational Institutions
The Grant for Educational Institutions is awarded to organizations building strategic initiatives that increase accessibility to knowledge by promoting continued enrichment and advancement in the cosmetic industry. Grants will be awarded to qualified institutions that meet the requirements below.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be an institution that is promoting enrichment and advancement of cosmetic science
- Must submit a proposal explaining what the grant funds will be used for and the exact amount that is need
- Must submit a W9
Award Amount: up to $10,000 (one-time payment based on the exact amount needed)
Key Dates
Application Opens | May 15th |
Application Deadline | Jul 15th |
Recipient Announcement | Oct 1st |
Disbursement | Oct 31st |

FAQs
Can I apply to more than one scholarship or grant?
- Yes, but you will only receive one.
When are scholarship & grant recipients announced?
- All other scholarship and grant recipients will be announced on 10/1. The NYSCC will have a celebratory awards night in December to recognize all scholarship and grant recipients.
When will I receive my scholarship/grant check?
- You can expect your check 30 days after recipients are announced.
What if I’m not a student or an institution, can I still apply for money?
- Yes, we have the Upskilling and Mentee Grants which are for active members of the NYSCC who want to take short courses on topics that are specific to career advancement. Please check the scholarship guidelines for each to make sure you qualify.
What If I’m not a science major or an NYSCC member, can I still apply?
- Sorry right now we only offer money to science majors, NYSCC members, and educational institutions that promote the advancement of cosmetic science.
How will I receive the money?
- A check will be mailed to you 30 days after you are announced as a scholarship/grant recipient.
I live outside of the United States, can I still apply?
- Sorry at this time we can only award scholarships and grants to individuals and institutions in the United States.
Do I need a certain GPA to apply?
- Yes, you need a minimum of a 3.0 of apply for all scholarships.
How much can I receive in scholarship/grant money?
- Scholarship and grant amounts vary from $2500 to $10,000. Please check the guidelines to see the exact amount for each.
Do I have to prove financial hardship in order to receive a scholarship?
- No, the NYSCC Scholarships and Grants are earned based on merit. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements for each you can receive the award.
What if I have other questions?
- Please email us at scholarships@nyscc.org
