Forty students have been awarded a $10,000 scholarship as part of a collaboration between the NAACP and the French luxury cosmetics brand Lancôme. On July 17, Lancôme ambassador and actor Lupita Nyong’o surprised the young women during the NAACP National Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

“We’re excited to once again provide talented young women across the country the opportunity to further develop their creativity and achieve their academic dreams with purpose and unrestricted passion,” said Derrick Johnson, the president and CEO of the NAACP. “Young people are the future. We’re excited to see how participants in the program will positively impact their communities and create change for themselves and the next generation.”

The scholarship winners of Lancôme’s Write Her Future Scholarship Fund – which aims to empower women through education, mentoring, and entrepreneurship opportunities – were awarded the opportunity to develop their skills in STEM, business management, marketing, and writing, according to a press release.

“Since I was a child, I have always had big dreams, and my education has played a huge part in helping me realize them,” said Nyong’o in a press release. “I’ve always loved learning and I believe that learners change the world. I am so thrilled to join Lancôme, on behalf of their Write Her Future Scholarship Fund, to award this incredible group of women with these game-changing scholarships.”

Lancôme debuted a partnership with the NAACP in 2021 to help foster career development and establish equity in education. The scholarships were awarded as part of the brand’s pledge to distribute $2 million by 2025 to honor this goal.

“Lancôme at its core seeks to bring happiness to its customers, but nothing brings us more joy than seeing the winners of our first Write Her Future Scholarship Fund receive their awards today,” said Giovanni Valentini, Lancôme USA’s General Manager. “We’ve been so impressed by all the applicants, but we couldn’t be prouder of the amazing finalists recognized today and see our mission of providing equitable educational opportunities for young women of color come to fruition today.”

Congratulations to the winners!

Photo Credit: Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images for Lancôme