Last Updated on May 26, 2023
Royal Oils by Head & Shoulders and Gold Series from Pantene have developed the #RootedInScience Scholarship Program in partnership with CVS Beauty to help Black women in STEM advance their education.
Watch Actor, Tony Award Winner, and Florida A&M University Graduate Anika Noni Rose announce the amazing award recipients from the first round, and be sure to follow UNCF for the next round of scholarships coming this fall.
Procter & Gamble (P&G) haircare brands Royal Oils by Head & Shoulders and Gold Series from Pantene announced the 11 recipients of the first annual Rooted in Science Scholarship.
The scholarships were awarded to Black women pursuing a degree in STEM fields at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and UNCF (United Negro College Fund)-member schools. UNCF, a long-time partner to P&G, will facilitate the distribution.
“On behalf of P&G, we send a huge congratulations to the recipients of the Rooted in Science Scholarship,” said Dr. Rolanda Wilkerson, P&G Beauty, Principal Scientist and alum of Southern University and A&M College and Louisiana State University. “As a Black woman scientist, the team of scientists behind Royal Oils and Gold Series and I are especially honored to recognize and support the next generation of young Black women pursuing a career in the STEM fields.
As someone who has received scholarships to help fund my STEM journey, I understand the importance of a program like this, so we hope that this scholarship fund can help make it a little easier for students to achieve their greatness.”
As two brands that are Rooted in Science, Royal Oils and Gold Series launched the scholarship last fall to support the growth and development of future Black female STEM-focused innovators. Gold Series from Pantene was formulated by Black scientists, Ph.Ds., dermatologists, and stylists who understand the unique needs of textured hair and provides superior moisturization.
Through decades of cutting-edge innovation and technology, plus on-going research of textured hair, Royal Oils by Head & Shoulders was also developed to deliver superior scalp care and moisturization for any style.
“UNCF is excited to continue our long-standing relationship with P&G, and the Rooted in Science Scholarship is a next step on a STEM path that enables more Black women to make a difference in lives of others—both within their communities and across our nation and around the world. That’s particularly important right now given the current health crisis,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO, UNCF.”
The recipients of the Rooted in Science Scholarship in partnership with CVS will each receive up to $5,000 a year for up to two years for expenses associated with pursuing their degree. Recipients include:
- Laura Nicole Hairston, Hampton University
- Dasia Heard, Hampton University
- Amaryah Lockett, Kennesaw State University
- Zenobia Nicula Early, LeMoyne-Owen College
- Oluwapelumi Oguntade, Marquette University
- Robynn Harrison, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
- Destiny Jones, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
- Desiree Brown, Oakwood University
- Kirsten Briana Moore, Tougaloo College
- Keona Latrice Hughes, University of Missouri – Saint Louis
- Emree Downey, Washington & Jefferson College
This summer, together with CVS and UNCF, P&G will kick off round two of the program and award up to $200,000 more in scholarships to Black women pursuing a degree in STEM subjects at HBCUs and UNCF-member schools.
Applications for the second annual Rooted in Science Scholarship will open Aug. 3 through Sept. 28, and recipients will be announced mid-December 2021. There will be 21 scholarship recipients who will be awarded $5,000 a year for up to two years.
Scholarship funds are intended to help college juniors with expenses associated with the pursuit of their degrees. More information on how to apply and eligibility requirements will be available at https://uncf.org/scholarships this summer.
Source: Businesswire
