SCC’s 2026 Madam C.J. Walker Scholarship Applications Open Until May 31

The Society of Cosmetic Chemists has officially started planning the 80^th  Annual Scientific Meeting & Showcase (SCC80). This year, the meeting returns to the J.W. Marriott LA Live in Los Angeles, CA on Dec. 1-2, 2026. It includes the Madam CJ Walker Scholarship awards for 2026.

The Madam CJ Walker Scholarship, sponsored by Happi Top 50 Company Mary Kay, awards two $5,000 scholarships supporting under-represented individuals pursuing an undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate degree in chemical, physical, medical, pharmaceutical, biological or related sciences and technology with an interest in pursuing a career in the cosmetics and personal care industry.

Applicants

• Must be an under-represented individual (as defined in the program rules);
• May be of any gender:
• Must be enrolled full-time (12 credits or more per semester) at an accredited college or university in the US or Canada; and
• Must be pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate degree in chemical, physical, medical, pharmaceutical, biological, or related sciences and technology relative to the cosmetics and personal care industry. 

Scholarship & Prizes

Awardees each receive a USD$5,000 scholarship (payable directly to their educational institution); a complimentary one-year membership in SCC; and a prize package to attend the SCC Annual Scientific Meeting & Showcase, including: 

• A $350 travel voucher;
• Two (2) night’s accommodation at the host hotel;
• Complimentary student poster to showcase their academic research;
• Complimentary student full access registration; and
• Ceremonial presentation of the scholarship at the annual Awards Breakfast.

Finalists each receive a complimentary one-year membership in SCC and a prize package to attend the SCC Annual Scientific Meeting & Showcase, including: 

• A $350 travel voucher;
• ONE (1) night’s accommodation at the host hotel;
• Complimentary student poster to showcase their academic research;
• Complimentary student full access registration; and
• Recognition as a finalist at the annual Awards Breakfast.