Beauty Changes Lives: Scholarships That Transform Futures

The beauty industry offers diverse and fulfilling career paths for passionate individuals. However, the cost of beauty school can be a significant barrier. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are available to aspiring hairstylists, nail professionals, estheticians, makeup artists, massage therapists, and barbers. These scholarships, generously funded by leading beauty brands and organizations, not only alleviate financial burdens but also open doors to incredible opportunities within the beauty and wellness sector.

Beauty Changes Lives: A Catalyst for Dreams

Established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2013, Beauty Changes Lives (BCL) stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring beauty professionals. BCL awards beauty school tuition scholarships, generously funded by leading beauty brands. The Beauty Changes Lives scholarship portfolio includes tuition scholarships for aspiring hairstylists, nail professionals, estheticians, makeup artists, massage therapists, and barbers. In addition to “basic” scholarships, Beauty Changes Lives offers “advanced” scholarships for licensed professionals, including beauty educators.

Since its inception, Beauty Changes Lives has awarded more than 500 scholarships, opening doors of opportunity that range from working behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week, to opening thriving businesses.

Applying for Beauty Changes Lives Scholarships

The Beauty Changes Lives Scholarship Application Portal uses judging software called Submittable to upload applications, documents, and to facilitate the judging process.

For first-time applicants, signing up in Submittable and logging in is required. It's crucial to save this information, as only the team at Submittable can support any changes.
Once logged in, applicants can click on the “Apply Now!” button for the desired scholarship.
Several eligibility questions specific to the scholarship will be presented. An “Ineligibility Message” will direct applicants back to the Beauty Changes Lives scholarship site, where they can explore other potential scholarships.
Eligible applicants can begin the application process by providing contact, school information, and demographics. Each scholarship requires uploading documents and submitting a video for judging.
The application saves a DRAFT automatically, allowing applicants to return and complete it before the deadline. The application closes automatically at the end of the season at 11:59 PM PST.
After providing the specific requirements, applicants can submit the application and will receive a confirmation message. The submission status will change from NEW to IN PROGRESS.
Applicants can log back in to check the status of their submission.

It's advisable to give yourself plenty of time to apply. Submitting early allows reviewers to notify applicants of any missing information or clarification needed, providing time to edit the submission before judging. Extensions are not granted for last-minute technical issues or missed deadlines.

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It takes approximately a month after the deadline date to review, judge and announce the winners of the scholarships for each season. Notification will be sent regardless of selection as a recipient.

Tips for a Successful Submission

Beauty Changes Lives provides helpful tools to ensure a successful submission that stands out to the judges:

Watch the HOW-TO VIDEO for important tools to make your submission STAND OUT!
Do NOT go over the allotted time for the scholarship video submission requirement. Even one second over and you will be disqualified.
Make sure your YOUTUBE video is made public and make sure the link works. If it is private the judge will not be able to view it and it may be disqualified.
Be Professional! Any foul language or inappropriate behavior or visuals will not be tolerated.
Check out Past Winner’s Videos.
Review the Judging Criteria used for scoring each submission.

Specific Scholarship Opportunities

Numerous organizations and beauty brands offer scholarships to support aspiring beauty professionals. Here's a glimpse into some of these opportunities:

The Joe Francis Haircare Cosmetology Scholarship Foundation

Established in 1994, The Joe Francis Haircare Cosmetology Scholarship Foundation memorializes the life and achievements of Joe Francis, founder of The Barbers Corporation. Open to all students interested in attending or currently attending beauty school.

AMTA Bob King Student Scholarship

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) awards one lucky student the Bob King $5,000 Student Scholarship! Anyone can enter to win a $5,000 scholarship for you and $5,000 for your school!

Read also: Internship Opportunities in Beauty

BeautySchoolsDirectory.com Scholarship

The BeautySchoolsDirectory.com team offers a $2,500 scholarship for students and professionals changing others’ lives through wellness and beauty. Applicants ready to begin or continue their education in the beauty and wellness industry can submit the application form for a chance to win.

Keller International Cosmetology Scholarship

Keller International offers a unique cosmetology scholarship opportunity for one student each year as a way to alleviate some of the financial burden they accrue during their educational journey. The winner of this contest will be rewarded $1000.00 towards their tuition fees! This scholarship is open to cosmetology and barber students.

Milady RISE Scholarship

Administered by the Professional Beauty Association, the Milady RISE Scholarship awards $500 to ten lucky recipients. This scholarship is exclusive for Milady RISE-certified individuals who understand the impact they’re able to make and is designed to help them continue their growth in the industry.

Buy-Rite Beauty Scholarship

Buy-Rite Beauty offers a $1,000 scholarship for students interested in pursuing a degree in cosmetology. All participants must have applied to or be enrolled in as full-time beautician/cosmetology students.

Great Clips® Scholarship Program

Great Clips® believes in the future of the hair industry and is proud to offer over $100,000 total in scholarships to students each year! Future stylists and barbers across the United States and Canada are invited to apply to receive a tuition scholarship valued at up to $5,000 each to help launch their dreams.

Massage Envy National Scholarship Sweepstakes for Massage Therapists

Massage Envy offers the National Scholarship Sweepstakes for Massage Therapists. Each awardee will receive a $2,500 scholarship that can be used to attend any massage school of their choice. A total of 128 winners will be provided with $2,500 each to help fund their education in massage therapy school, over 16 drawings.

PBA Lifetime Member Scholarship

The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) honors Lifetime Members through educational scholarships. These scholarships celebrate the spirit of commitment to the association, which has been demonstrated by the Lifetime Member through fostering the advancement and education of individual members. The PBA Lifetime Member Scholarship is made available because of the Joseph L.

Arnold M. Miller Find A Way Scholarship

This Scholarship awards up to $15,000 towards program tuition is open to newly accepted and currently enrolled students. Students must provide proof of acceptance and/or proof of attendance at an accredited beauty school. Students must be accepted or currently enrolled in a program to qualify for these scholarships. This Scholarship awards up to $5,000 towards program tuition and is open to newly accepted and currently enrolled students. Students must provide proof of acceptance and/or proof of attendance at an accredited beauty school. Students must be accepted or currently enrolled in a program to qualify for these scholarships. This Scholarship awards up to $5,000 towards program tuition is open to newly accepted and currently enrolled students. Students must provide proof of acceptance and/or proof of attendance at an accredited beauty school. Students must be accepted or currently enrolled in a program to qualify for these scholarships. This Scholarship awards up to $5,000 towards program tuition is open to newly accepted and currently enrolled students. Students must provide proof of acceptance and/or proof of attendance at an accredited beauty school. Students must be accepted or currently enrolled in a program to qualify for these scholarships.

LGBTQIA+ Scholarship

This Scholarship awards a total of $5,000 towards program tuition and is open to newly accepted and currently enrolled cosmetology students who identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. This Scholarship awards up to $5,000 towards program tuition and is open to newly accepted and currently enrolled cosmetology students.

Green Circle Salons Scholarship

Green Circle Salons offers the “Environmental Beauty” scholarship for all disciplines in the professional beauty industry that leads to licensure. This scholarship is open to currently enrolled cosmetology and/or barbering students in an accredited school or institution for the programs and will be awarded through the Beauty Changes Lives Organization.

BIPOC Scholarship

This Scholarship awards up to $15,000 towards program tuition and is open to newly accepted and currently enrolled cosmetology students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color. This Scholarship awards up to $15,000 towards program tuition and is open to newly accepted and currently enrolled cosmetology students who identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. This Scholarship awards $5,000 towards program tuition and is open to newly accepted and currently enrolled cosmetology students who identify as Black/African American.

The Jerry Alexander Gorman Foundation “The Passion to Succeed” Student Scholarship

The Jerry Alexander Gorman Foundation “The Passion to Succeed” Student Scholarship was formed to support those in need to achieve their goal of becoming a licensed professional. This Scholarship awards up to $6,000 towards program tuition is open to newly accepted and currently enrolled students. Students must provide proof of acceptance and/or proof of attendance at an accredited beauty school. Students must be accepted or currently enrolled in a program to qualify for these scholarships. This Scholarship awards up to $5,000 towards program tuition and is open to newly accepted and currently enrolled cosmetology students who identify as a Person of Color. This Scholarship awards a total of $5,000 towards program tuition and is open to newly accepted and currently enrolled cosmetology students of an Elevate Salon Institute.

Hydrafacial Glow Getter Scholarship Program

The Hydrafacial Glow Getter Scholarship program, in partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, will provide financial tuition assistance to individuals who are enrolled in esthetics programs that lead to licensure or certification in the United States and Canada, and to support the educational advancement of currently licensed estheticians wishing to elevate their skills even further. Each scholarship covers a six-month enrollment to Expert Program workshops (a $1400+ value), culminating in becoming a Dermalogica Expert.

Beauty Changes Lives | CosmoProf | Licensed to Create Education Scholarship Program

The Beauty Changes Lives | CosmoProf | Licensed to Create Education Scholarship Program provides an opportunity for prospective and newer students enrolled in a cosmetology or esthetics program to win $2,000 to help offset the cost of tuition. CosmoProf is a full-service distributor offering exclusive salon products and equipment to licensed professionals in the salon and spa industry. Licensed to Create means something different to every stylist and encourages the freedom to explore your authentic voice as an artist.

Dermalogica® Future Industry Professionals Esthetics Scholarship

Dermalogica® is continuing its support of the beauty industry by generously funding esthetics scholarship since 2020. For nearly 40 years, Dermalogica® has empowered skin therapists to unleash their potential. Founded by Jane Wurwand out of a desire to provide best-in-class products, education, and training in the professional skin care industry, Dermalogica® today trains 100,000 skin therapists per year and is the #1 choice of skin professionals worldwide. The Future Industry Professionals Esthetics Scholarship is open to students who are newly accepted or currently enrolled in an esthetics program at a Dermalogica® Partner School, and identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color. One (1) $5,000 for the Spring season, open March 1 - April 30, at 11:59 PM PST.

Applicants are often asked to describe how receiving this scholarship would impact their life, how it will impact their financial needs, and why esthetics is their passion.

PCA SKIN® Scholarship

At PCA SKIN®, we believe the future of esthetics is shaped by those who bring bold ideas, unique perspectives, and a passion for making everyone feel seen, heard, and valued. As a leader in skin health education and professional treatments for more than three decades, PCA SKIN® is committed to innovation and progress through inclusion.

Applicants must disclose any such relationship during the application process. Submit a THREE-MINUTE maximum. Share your experiences and interests in the esthetics industry.

L’Oréal Professionnel Empowering Diversity Scholarship

L’Oréal Professionnel prides itself on demonstrating one of their core values to support diversity and equality within the hairdressing profession, the scholarship awards up to $5,000 in tuition funding for students enrolled or accepted in a cosmetology program at any accredited institution whose service demonstrates a commitment to justice, equity, and diversity. The Empowering Diversity Scholarship is dedicated to the memory of Sheena Coleman, a much-loved member of the L’Oréal Professionnel Education Team who sadly passed away in 2020. Applications accepted for the Spring Scholarship Season starting March 1 - April 30, at 11:59 PM PST.

Family members of L’Oréal Professionnel or the Franchisor are not eligible for this scholarship. Since 1909, L’Oréal has devoted itself solely to one business: beauty. It is a business rich in meaning, as it enables all individuals to express their personalities, gain self-confidence, and feel confident in others. Our passion continues to grow deeper.

European Wax Center Scholarship

As “Experts in Wax, Champions in Confidence”, European Wax Center (EWC) knows one reservation with us can help transform a guest’s mood, day or even their perception of themselves. Through our innovation and expertise every person that walks through our door leaves feeling like their best self. to help offset the cost of tuition.

Pivot Point International Leo Passage Scholarship

In partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, Pivot Point International is proud to announce the creation of two prestigious scholarships for both students and educators to honor the legacy of our founder, Leo Passage. A world-renowned hairdresser, passionate educator, and trailblazing visionary, Leo Passage built a career rooted in three core values: bravery, curiosity, and the power of sharing knowledge. Leo's bravery was evident early in his life when, as a young boy, he helped Jews escape persecution during World War II, risking his own safety to stand up for others. His boundless curiosity drove him to leave his home country in Europe with only $75 in his pocket, embarking on a journey to the United States to see the world and pursue new opportunities.

Two (2) Tuition Scholarships, up to $7,500 each.*One (1) $7,500 scholarship is open to any eligible school/institution, One (1) $7,500 scholarship is open to a Pivot Point International Partner School. Department of Education.

Leo Passage’s legacy is built on the core values of bravery, curiosity, and the power of sharing knowledge. Leo Passage overcame many obstacles that shaped his life. “Seek and appreciate the best mentors in your life. Surround yourself with people who have a positive attitude and always believe in you. By investing in educators and students, the Leo Passage Scholarships will honor his enduring legacy and support the growth of a vibrant, innovative beauty, barbering, and wellness industry. These scholarships will empower individuals who share his vision to lead, inspire, and elevate the profession. At Pivot Point, we believe education transforms lives. That belief was at the core of our founder, Leo Passage, whose legacy is rooted in creativity, innovation, and the power of sharing knowledge. The Dare to Lead Student Scholarship awards $7,500 each to two cosmetology or barbering students who embody creativity, leadership, and the drive to innovate.

Jerry Alexander Gorman Foundation “The Passion to Succeed” Student Scholarship

Jerry Alexander Gorman lived a life dedicated to his passion for the professional beauty industry. As a young man, with a new family to support, he took evening classes to become a licensed cosmetologist, while working full-time during the day. His perseverance for success did not stop there. After working for years as a hairdresser, he soon opened his first salon and, many years later, became a national sales manager for a major manufacturer of salon and home beauty products. In that spirit, his family formed the Jerry Alexander Gorman Foundation in his memory in 2015.

The applicant must be eighteen (18) years of age or older by the start date of the program at the accredited school or institution. Complete theonline application and submit proof of enrollment/acceptance letter from an accredited school or institution. Jerry Gorman had a passion for the industry, and he overcame many obstacles to make his dream a reality.

Applicants are asked to answer questions such as: Why do you want to make a career in the professional beauty industry? What part of the industry drives your passion? What financial constraints have affected your ability to follow your dream?

Leo Passage Pass It On Educator Scholarship

Cosmetology/Barbering Instructor/Educator enrolled in an advanced educational course or program that can be used for continuing education or career development.

The Pass It On Educator Scholarship invests in licensed educators who dedicate themselves to inspiring and developing tomorrow’s professionals.

Sage Michaela Lucas “Timing is Everything” scholarship

The Sage Michaela Lucas “Timing is Everything” scholarship is generously funded by Circadia®, a pioneer in the science of chronobiology and skincare. Circadia® is again generously donating a total of $50,000 in Esthetics Scholarships for the Spring and Fall Season for the next two years. The scholarship is open to esthetics students enrolled in an accredited program and who identify as black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC). The scholarship grant targets esthetic students pursuing a career in aesthetics, skincare formulation and/or cosmetic chemistry.

The scholarship includes a mentorship program that includes (3) one-hour calls with a Circadia® educator to discuss business proposals, financial overview, skincare products and services, etc.

Applicants are asked to: Name a person in the beauty industry that you know personally or follow-on social media that motivates you or positively impacts you to stay committed to your dreams despite obstacles. Describe challenges you have …

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