Cosmetology Grants

Current and prospective cosmetology and beauty school students seek scholarship opportunities to defray the cost of receiving education, training and on the job experience in this field. Professional associations and organizations as well as corporations and other entities offer scholarships directly to individual students as well as through beauty and cosmetology school financial aid offices. These are some of the beauty and cosmetology organizations that offer scholarships to current and prospective students.

The ACE (Access to Cosmetology Education) Grant

The American Association of Cosmetology Schools offers scholarship funds to people who want to become beauticians or cosmetologists. These scholarship funds are meant for those who want to further their careers in beauty and are in need of financial assistance to do so. The American Association of Cosmetology Schools has corporate sponsors which help fund scholarships for eligible students. Scholarships under the ACE Grant include:

1. Sport Clips Scholarship

The Sport Clips Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship available through each participating beauty or cosmetology school. To apply, current and prospective cosmetology and beauty students should contact their school’s financial aid officer.

2. Farouk Systems USA/AACS Cosmetology Scholarship

The Farouk Systems USA/AACS Cosmetology Scholarship offers six scholarships to beauty and cosmetology schools for students to pay for their training and education.

3. OPI Scholarships

The OPI Scholarships offer several $500 scholarships to pay for beauty or cosmetology school training and education. Interested students must be enrolled in a cosmetology or beauty related program at an American Association of Cosmetology member school to qualify. Students must also write an essay and provide at least one industry recommendation.

4. Beauty Schools Marketing Group Scholarship

The Beauty Schools Marketing Group Scholarship awards a substantial, $2500 scholarship on a quarterly basis to a student at a beauty school who is attending a previously unattended cosmetology school. Applicants must complete an application form for the scholarship that includes short essays about current issues in the beauty industry and their own personal achievements.

5. Aurie J. Gosnell Scholarship

The Aurie J. Gosnell Scholarship awards four scholarships each year to beauty or cosmetology students. For more information and to apply, visit the Aurie J. Gosnell Scholarship website directly at www.nictesting.org.

6. Professional Beauty Association, National Cosmetology Association, Sally Beauty Supply Scholarship

The combined Professional Beauty Association, National Cosmetology Association, Sally Beauty Supply Scholarship program awards $1,000 scholarships to seven high school graduates each year. Students must be enrolled in a cosmetology school and complete an application to qualify.

Alice Madden Barton Cosmetology School Scholarship Program

The Alice Madden Barton Cosmetology School Scholarship Program, which is sponsored by Great Clips hair salons, offers semi-annual scholarships to students who want to attend cosmetology or barbering school. The scholarships can be used at any cosmetology or barbering school, and high school students, current cosmetology students or anyone interested in attending cosmetology school can apply. For more information, visit the Cosmetology School Scholarships page on the Great Clips website here www.greatclips.com.

NCEA Esthetician Scholarship

The NCEA Esthetician Scholarship offers esthetician students a $1,000 scholarship to attend esthetician school. Eligibility requirements include being in the middle of an esthetician only educational or training program, maintaining an eighty percent attendance record and an eighty percent or better grade point average. Applicants must complete the scholarship application form and provide a one page typed statement of need for the NCEA Esthetician Scholarship. For more information or to apply, visit the NCEA Esthetician Scholarship website here www.ncea.tv.

Aurie J. Gosnell Scholarship

The Aurie J. Gosnell Scholarship offered by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology offers annual scholarships to cosmetology students. For more information, visit their website here www.nictesting.org.

Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship Foundation

The Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship Foundation offers financial assistance for professional training in cosmetology or beauty school. The Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship Foundation award is $1,000 annually for students. Applications are collected by the Foundation each year from January through June 1st. For more information or to apply for the Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship Foundation funds, visit their website here Joe Francis.

Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation

The Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation provides scholarships to fund educational opportunities for students to attend cosmetology related programs. Students must have demonstrated financial hardship or be involved in an enterprise of disadvantage. The fund also provides scholarship for cosmetology students to attend other educational events and opportunities such as educational retreats, seminars and fashion shows. For more information or to apply for the Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation scholarship, visit the Paul Mitchel Schools website here paulmitchell.edu.

The American Health and Beauty Aids Institute (AHBAI) Scholarships

The American Health and Beauty Aids Institute (AHBAI) Scholarships include a $250 cosmetology scholarship to attend cosmetology school as well as a college bound scholarship for cosmetologists and beauticians to earn a degree. For more information on how to apply for the American Health and BEauty Aids Institute Scholarships, visit their website here www.ahbai.org.

Women

There are many scholarship opportunities to attend cosmetology or beauty school that are geared specifically toward women who are looking to develop their careers. These scholarships are not limited to beauty and cosmetology school attendance, but the funds can be applied for study at these types of schools. Scholarship opportunities for women are available through these foundations and organizations.

The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation

The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation scholarship offers educational support for women, especially those who live on a low income or those who have children in their homes. Patsy Takemoto Mink was a congresswoman from Hawaii and was the first Asian woman elected to congress. Her passion was to increase access of educational support and increase educational availability to women. For more information and to apply for the The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation scholarship, visit the website here patsyminkfoundation.org.

The Soroptomist Women’s Opportunity Award International Scholarship

The The Soroptomist Women’s Opportunity scholarship disburses money to women to give them the financial resources necessary to improve their education, skills and prospects for employment. Women who are the primary financial head of household and who are enrolled in or accepted into a vocational or skills training program or an undergraduate degree program are eligible to apply.

Women who apply must be residents of one of the 19 member countries of Soroptomist International of the Americas. For more information or to apply for the Women’s Opportunity award through the Soroptomist International of the Americas Foundation, visit their website here soroptimistnwr.org.

Women’s Independence Scholarship Program

The Women’s Independence Scholarship Program is a privately funded scholarship for women who want to provide economic independence for themselves and their children. The Women’s Independence Scholarship Program provides two different scholarships to women. The WISP scholarship is for women who have escaped from an abusive situation and are seeking educational and job opportunities to make their own way in life.

The CASS scholarship is for women who work for a domestic violence service organization such as a shelter, resource center, housing program or counseling center to develop their professional skills. For more information about the scholarships awarded through the Women’s Independence Scholarship Program or to apply, visit the Women’s Independence Scholarship Program website here www.wispinc.org.

Jeanette Rankin Women’s Scholarship

The Jeanette Rankin Women’s Scholarship is for non-traditional students who are women at least 35 years old. The eligible applicant must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, enrolled in or accepted by an accredited school and pursuing a vocational education, associate’s degree or first bachelor’s degree. The student must provide evidence of low-income based on estimated household income for the upcoming school year.

Students must also write an essay indicating their goals, plan for achieving those goals, past challenges and their current financial situation. The applicant’s school of choice must be accredited by any one of the following organizations: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; New England Association of Schools and Colleges; Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools; Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; Western Association of Schools and Colleges; or the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. For more information or to apply for the Jeanette Rankin Women’s Scholarship program, visit their website here www.rankinfoundation.org.

The Model College of Hair Design in Minnesota

The Model College of Hair Design in Minnesota offers financial assistance to students who qualify. In order to determine eligibility, students must complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and indicate The Model College of Hair Design in Minnesota in the code area for results to be sent to the school. For more information, visit The Model College of Hair Design in Minnesota here www.mcohd.com.

Oregon Student Assistance Commission

The Oregon Student Assistance Commission is a state government run agency to assist Oregon residents in meeting the financial requirements to pay for postsecondary educational opportunities such as beauty or cosmetology school. Scholarship programs include the Oregon Opportunity Grant and the Oregon Student Assistance Commission Scholarship.

To apply, students must be Oregon residents, complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), be an undergraduate with no college degree, not be incarcerated, be enrolled at least half time and have no defaults on any student loans. For more information on applying for scholarships through the Oregon Student Assistance Commission, visit their website here www.oregonstudentaid.gov.

Vernon’s Kansas School of Cosmetology

Vernon’s Kansas School of Cosmetology in Wichita, Kansas offers scholarships to students beginning cosmetology studies at the school. For more information about available scholarship programs, visit the Vernon’s Kansas School of Cosmetology website here paulmitchell.edu.

African Americans

African American students looking to attend beauty or cosmetology school might consider applying to these scholarship programs aimed at improving the skills and educational level of people of color. Here are some opportunities for African Americans to consider for scholarships to beauty or cosmetology school.

The United Negro College Fund

The United Negro College Fund manages dozens of private and corporate scholarship programs available to African American students pursuing vocational training or a college degree. Applications must be made through the The United Negro College Fund website.

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

African American students looking to attend beauty or costmetology school can apply for scholarship grants through the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Beauty and cosmetology students must have at least 2.5 high school grade point average and maintain that grade point average while in college on the scholarship. Students must also demonstrate a need for financial assistance in order to qualify. For more information, visit the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People website.

Hispanics

Current or prospective beauty or cosmetology students who are a member of a Hispanic ethnic group should consider applying for a scholarship program aimed at increasing the education and skills of Hispanics. Some of the available scholarship opportunities for Hispanic students include these programs.

Gates Millennium Scholars Program

The Gates Millennium Scholars Program selects 1,000 students every year and focuses on African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander and Hispanic American students with strong academic scores and demonstrated leadership who have promise and demonstrate financial need. The Gates Millennium Scholars Program covers all tuition from start to finish within eligibility guidelines. For more information on the Gates Millennium Scholars Program or to apply, visit the Gates Millennium Scholars Program website here gmsp.org.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund works to break down barriers that prevent Hispanics from achieving higher levels of education and skills for employment. The Hispanic Scholarship Fund offers dozens of scholarship opportunities in conjunction with private and corporate sponsors. Each scholarship program has its own requirements and application process. Applicants can apply for more than one of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund programs. For more information on how to apply for a scholarship through the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, visit their website here www.hsf.net.

Federal Grants

Students aiming to attend beauty or cosmetology school should investigate some of the many federal scholarship programs available to Americans. The United States Department of Education administers federal grant programs for students seeking financial assistance to attend vocational, technical or college programs. Students must complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and complete application packages. Each federal program has its own eligibility guidelines, rules, requirements and processes. For more information about general federal grants available for students, visit the United States Department of Education website here www.ed.gov.

Pell Grant

Pell Grants are a federally funded scholarship that does not have to be repaid. To apply, students must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Awards are dependent on financial need, enrollment, cost of tuition and other factors which change with each annual award cycle. For more information on federal Pell Grants, visit the Pell Grants page on the United States Department of Education website here www.ed.gov.

Grants for Veterans and Active Military Members

If you are a veteran of the United States military and looking to attend beauty or cosmetology school, scholarships through the Department of Defense may be available to you to assist with the cost of attending school. Each program has its own requirements, application process and eligibility restrictions.

Armed Forces Tuition Assistance Program

The Armed Forces Tuition Assistance Program helps active service members in supporting their educational goals by providing scholarships to fund up to one hundred percent of the cost of trade and educational classes taken by the service member during off duty hours. Each branch of the United States Military has its own criteria for program eligibility, years of service obligations, application processes and other restrictions and requirements.

It is up to you to confirm with the beauty or cosmetology school to which you are applying that their program meets the requirements of the Armed Forces Tuition Assistance Program. Both active duty and reserve members are eligible for these scholarship funds, which cover tuition, enrollment fees, other fees and in some cases, room and board up to a certain amount. This scholarship is in addition to any base pay or active duty pay earned by the service member. For more information or to apply for the Armed Forces Tuition Assistance Program, visit the program website here www.military.com.

DANTES

DANTES stands for Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support and is a program by the Department of Defense to support off-duty and volunteer educational programs along with special projects and educational activities in support of education of the Department. There are three scholarship programs under DANTES.

1. Military Evaluation Program

The Military Evaluation Program under DANTES provides funding for courses at colleges or universities to service members in the process of earning a degree or trade certificate. The program aims to further the career or advancement of participating service members. For more information or to apply, visit the Military Evaluation Program website here www.acenet.edu.

2. Service Members Opportunity Colleges

Service Members Opportunity Colleges aims to advance the post secondary education of active service members and help reduce employment problems among military members upon leaving or retirement from the service. For more information on the Service Members Opportunity Colleges scholarship or to apply, visit the program website here www.soc.aascu.org.

3. Third Party Assessment Program

The Third Party Assessment Program evaluates the post secondary trade and educational programs utilized by service members and analyzes the usefulness of the programs. This program may also award scholarships to trade and educational programs that meet certain guidelines for the advancement of careers of service members. For more information, visit the DANTES website here www.dantes.doded.mil.

Montgomery G.I. Bill

Under the Montgomery G.I. Bill, members of the United States Armed Forces can choose from a wide variety of scholarship and grant opportunities, which may cover the cost of attending beauty and cosmetology school. Each program has its own requirements, application process and restrictions.

1. Montgomery G.I. Bill for Active Duty Military

The Montgomery G.I. Bill for active duty military members offers up to three years’ worth of scholarships for educational activities. This scholarship can be used for certificate and degree programs as well as apprenticeship and on the job training programs. The scholarship is available for up to ten years after honorable release from the armed forces.

Eligibility requirements include completion of a high school diploma or general equivalency degree and have met specific service obligations outlined by the program. For more information or to apply for scholarships through the Montgomery G.I. Bill for Active Duty Military, visit the GI Bill website here www.gibill.va.gov.

2. Montgomery G.I. Bill for Selected Reserve

The Montgomery G.I. Bill for Selected Reserve offers scholarships and financial assistance for those who are members of the Selected Reserve of the branches of the United States Armed Forces. Eligibility depends on each branch, and the benefits are provided by the Veterans Administration. Eligible members of the Selected Reserve can receive up to three years of scholarship funds to apply to a certificate, vocational training, degree program, apprenticeship or on the job training.

Obligation requirements for receiving a scholarship through the Montgomery G.I. Bill for Selected Reserve program include serving an additional six year term in the Selected Reserve on top of the original obligation, remaining in good standing while in the Selected Reserve unit, completion of a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma before receiving funds through the Montgomery G.I. Bill for Selected Reserve scholarship and successful completion of initial active duty training.

For more information on how to apply for a scholarship through the Montgomery G.I. Bill for Selected Reserve, visit the G.I. Bill for Selected Reserve website here www.gibill.va.gov.

3. Reserve Educational Assistance Program

The Reserve Educational Assistance Program provides educational scholarships to members of the Reserves of all branches of the United States Armed Forces who are called to active duty due to war or a national emergency as declared by the President of the United States or Congress. To apply for the Reserve Educational Assistance Program or for more information, visit the website here www.gibill.va.gov.

4. Survivors & Dependents Assistance

The Survivors & Dependents Assistance provides scholarship funds and educational assistance to eligible dependents such as spouses and children of veterans who meet certain eligibility criteria. The Survivors & Dependents Assistance offers up to 45 months of scholarship support. The Survivors & Dependents Assistance scholarship may be used by students to attend certificate or degree programs, apprenticeships or on the job training.

Children of veterans must be between the ages of 18 and 26 to receive scholarship funds, and spouses must apply to the program within 20 years of the veteran’s death. It is your responsibility to make sure that the beauty or cosmetology school which you want to attend meets the requirements of this Veterans Administration program. For more information or to apply for the Survivors & Dependents Assistance scholarship, visit the website here www.gibill.va.gov.

5. Veterans Educational Assistance Program

The Veterans Educational Assistance Program is a matching funds scholarship program for veterans who participated in the program while on active duty. Eligibility requirements include voluntary contributions while on active duty, completion of the first period of military service, not released from the service dishonorably, and use the funds within 10 years of discharge.

It is your responsibility to make sure your cosmetology or beauty school that you want to go to has been approved for the Veterans Educational Assistance Program. For more information on the Veterans Educational Assistance Program, visit their website here www.gibill.va.gov.

Local Grants and Scholarships

Students who want to attend beauty or cosmetology school should investigate local grants and scholarships available in their own communities. Many school guidance counselors have a listing of such programs, or turn to the internet to seek out listings. Organizations that commonly offer scholarship programs to specific communities include the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Elks, Rotary Club, Lions Club, churches and synagogues, local businesses and clubs.

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