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Scholarships and Grants

NYSCC is proud to invest in the next generation of cosmetic scientists.

Our 2026 Scholarships & Grants Program offers many ways to support your journey. Please note that an active SCC Membership is required for all Scholarships & Grants listed below.

If you have questions about your application, please email the Daleen Zakaib, Committee Chair, at (scholarships@nyscc.org).

Scholarship & Grant Application FAQ's

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 the 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. By applying, you are giving the S&G Committee permission to do so. 
Eligibility requirements
  • Must be an undergraduate sophomore/junior/senior or graduate student currently enrolled in a college or university in the United States
  • Must be enrolled in a BS, MS or PhD program related to cosmetic science (chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, pharmaceutical science, etc.) for at least a part-time schedule
  • Must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA
  • Must submit a transcript with your full name and current GPA
  • Must submit one letter of recommendation from an academic advisor, professor, or work manager
  • Must 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: $15,000 (one-time payment) 

Key Dates 

  • Applications open: July 9
  • Application deadline: September 3
  • Recipient announcement: TBD 

Disbursement: Week of NYSCC Supports Education Night (date TBD

APPLY HERE

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 be enrolled in a BS, MS or PhD program related to cosmetic science (chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, pharmaceutical science, etc.) for at least a part-time schedule
  • Must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA
  • Must submit a transcript with your full name and current GPA
  • 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.
  • Must submit one letter of recommendation from an academic advisor, professor, or work manager
Award Amount: $7,500 (one-time payment) 

Key Dates 

  • Applications open: July 9
  • Application deadline: September 3
  • Recipient announcement: TBD 

Disbursement: Week of NYSCC Supports Education Night (date TBD)

APPLY HERE

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 be enrolled in a BS, MS or PhD program related to cosmetic science (chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, pharmaceutical science, etc.) for at least a part-time schedule
  • Must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA
  • Must submit a transcript with your full name and current GPA
  • Must provide one letter of recommendation
  • Must submit a 500 word essay answering the following questions:
    • Why do you feel you deserve this scholarship?
    • What do you intend to do with your degree upon graduation?
    • What are your career goals/aspirations?
    • What impact do you hope to have on the cosmetic industry?
    • Are you currently involved in any cosmetic science related initiatives, or do you hope to be involved in any initiatives in the future?
  • Must submit one letter of recommendation from an academic advisor, professor, or work manager
Award Amount: $6,000 (one-time payment) 

Key Dates 

  • Applications open: July 9
  • Application deadline: September 3
  • Recipient announcement: TBD 

Disbursement: Week of NYSCC Supports Education Night (date TBD)

APPLY HERE

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. 

Please Note: The S&G Committee follows up with all grant recipients for a progress update. By applying, you are giving the S&G Committee permission to do so.

Eligibility requirements
  • Must be an institution promoting enrichment and advancement of cosmetic science
  • Must submit a W9
  • Must submit:
    • A proposal outlining the educational program or initiative for which the grant will be used.
    • A comprehensive budget detailing allocation of grant funds, including itemized costs.
    • A timeline and implementation plan for the proposed educational program or initiative.
  • Must be willing to submit an update to the S&G Committee explaining how the grant funds were utilized and the outcome of the project.
Award Amount: Up to $15,000 (one-time payment based on the exact amount requested, not to exceed $15,000)

Key Dates 

  • Applications open: July 9
  • Application deadline: September 3
  • Recipient announcement: TBD 

Disbursement: Week of NYSCC Supports Education Night (date TBD)

APPLY HERE

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.

Please Note: The winning video may be posted on the NYSCC webpage. By applying, you are giving the S&G Committee permission to do so. 

Eligibility requirements
  • Must be an active member of the NYSCC
  • Must be in the NYSCC Mentorship 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 the money will be used?
  • A detailed description of the course and what you hope to gain from it
  • When you plan to take the course and your action plan for implementing the information you learned.
  • Must be willing to update S&G Committee once the course has been completed
Award Amount: Up to $6,000 (one-time payment based on the exact amount requested, not to exceed $6,000)

Key Dates 

  • Applications open: July 9
  • Application deadline: September 3
  • Recipient announcement: TBD 

Disbursement: Week of NYSCC Supports Education Night (date TBD)

APPLY HERE

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 to 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 be enrolled in a BS, MS or PhD program related to cosmetic science (chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, pharmaceutical science, etc.) for at least a part-time schedule 
  • Must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA
  • Must submit a transcript with your full name and current GPA 
  • Must submit 100–200 word answers to 5 questions about how you embody the characteristics of Roumelia Alina: hard work, perseverance, compassion, and collaboration, while also incorporating inclusion and diversity into your everyday life and work.
  • Must submit one letter of recommendation from an academic advisor, professor, or work manager
Award Amount: $7,500 (one-time payment)

Key Dates

  • Applications open: July 9
  • Application deadline: September 3
  • Recipient announcement: TBD 

Disbursement: Week of NYSCC Supports Education Night (date TBD)

APPLY HERE

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 seeking to acquire skills to re-enter the workforce .

Please Note: The winning video may be posted on the NYSCC webpage. By applying, you are giving the S&G Committee permission to do so. 

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
  • Must be willing to update the S&G Committee once the course has been completed
Award Amount: Up to $2,000 (one-time payment based on the exact amount requested, not to exceed $2,000)

Key Dates 

  • Applications open: July 9
  • Application deadline: September 3
  • Recipient announcement: TBD 

Disbursement: Week of NYSCC Supports Education Night (date TBD)

APPLY HERE

SCC Chapter Fellowship Grant

The SCC Chapter Fellowship grant is awarded to fellow SCC chapters to support their initiatives which uphold the SCC mission of advancing cosmetic science.  Examples of qualifying initiatives include educational events, scholarships, career fairs, sponsorships, etc.  Grants will be awarded to five chapters that meet the requirements below.

Please Note: The S&G Committee follows up with all grant recipients for a progress update. By applying, you are giving the S&G Committee permission to do so.

Eligibility requirements
  • Must be an SCC chapter executive board member to apply
  • Must submit a detailed proposal explaining how the grant funds will be used
  • Must be willing to submit an update to the S&G Committee explaining how the grant funds were utilized and the outcome of the project
Award Amount: $5000 (one-time payment)

Key Dates 

  • Applications open: July 9
  • Application deadline: September 3
  • Recipient announcement: TBD 

Disbursement: Week of NYSCC Supports Education Night (date TBD)

APPLY HERE

STEM Advocate Award

Are you passionate about inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators? If so, this scholarship was designed for you.

The STEM Advocate Award recognizes individuals who are passionate about inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. Whether through mentoring, outreach, education, volunteering, or community engagement, STEM advocates play a critical role in increasing awareness of cosmetic science and encouraging students to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This award celebrates applicants who have demonstrated a meaningful commitment to promoting STEM education and creating opportunities that empower future leaders in the cosmetic and personal care industry.

Eligibility requirements

  • Be a current student (undergraduate or graduate) or an early-career professional pursuing or employed in a STEM-related field relevant to the cosmetic and personal care industry
  • Demonstrate a commitment to advancing STEM education through outreach, mentorship, volunteerism, or community engagement
  • Be in good academic or professional standing (no minimum GPA required)
  • Be a member of the SCC within the Tri-State Area
  • Submit a completed NYSCC Scholarship & Grants application
  • Submit a personal statement (500-750 words) describing your STEM advocacy efforts, including how you have inspired or supported others in pursuing STEM education or careers
  • Provide examples of STEM advocacy activities (such as mentoring, tutoring, science fairs, outreach events, classroom presentations, workshops, volunteer initiatives, or leadership roles)
  • Submit one letter of recommendation from a faculty member, supervisor, mentor, or community leader who can speak to your impact as a STEM advocate
  • Supporting documentation is optional and welcome, such as photos, event flyers, certificates, or letters confirming participation in STEM outreach activities

Award Amount: $2,500 (one-time payment)

Key Dates

Applications open: July 9
Application deadline: September 3
Recipient announcement: TBD

APPLY HERE