Beauty Changes Lives Taking Applications for Vidal Sassoon's Legacy Program

The Beauty Changes Lives foundation is accepting applications for the Vidal Sassoon Professional Beauty Education Scholarship Program between August 5 and October 11, 2013, at www.beautychangeslives.org/scholarships. Honoring the late Vidal Sassoon and his legacy as an entrepreneur and artist, the Vidal Sassoon Professional Beauty Education Scholarship Program funds 50 percent of tuition at qualified cosmetology schools, which can be found at http://beautycareerlink.beautyschools.org/; and for licensed professionals, the scholarship covers the cost of a 5-day course at any North America-based Sassoon Academy, plus travel expenses (up to a total of $5,000, including course fee).

The Beauty Changes Lives foundation and Wella established the program to help both aspiring and established beauty professionals achieve their career goals through the gift of education. A non-profit arm of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools, the Beauty Changes Lives foundation serves as the administering body and coordination liaison for the scholarship program.

Scholarships are awarded to individuals who embody Vidal Sassoon's heritage of creativity, craftsmanship, professional drive, and love of learning. The Fall 2013 class of Vidal Sassoon Professional Beauty Education recipients will be announced this November. Individuals may apply via an online application. Each submission should demonstrate the applicant's commitment to Vidal Sassoon's legacy of creativity and discipline, and express how they plan to Honor his philosophy through professional achievement. Scholarship details and application information is available at www.beautychangeslives.org/scholarships.

This past spring, more than 800 individuals applied for the first-ever round of basic and advanced scholarships. "The judging team was overwhelmed by the applicants' expressions of passion, creativity and commitment to helping others in their video and essay submissions," said Lynelle Lynch, president of the Beauty Changes Lives foundation.

"I've always dreamed of being a hairstylist and this scholarship is turning my dream into a reality," said Racheal Cooper, a basic scholarship winner.

Advanced scholarship winner Joy LaMay noted in her application that beauty school was only the beginning of an amazing career. "I really found my art as a hairstylist," said LaMay. "When I'm behind the chair, I'm using my energy and expression in a way that changes how people feel about their appearance, and that can change lives." Watch interviews with Joy and other first round winners at https://vimeo.com/71132771.

Reuben Carranza, CEO of Wella North America, added, "Like Vidal, our mission is to elevate the salon professional industry to new heights Our commitment of $1.5 million, launched under the Wella Hairdressers at Heart program, ensures that both students and licensed professionals not only develop their craft, but also realize how impactful this profession can be."

About the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation: The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) created by the American Association of Cosmetology Schools to build awareness of the extraordinary career opportunities available in the beauty and wellness industry and awards scholarship to individuals pursuing careers in hair, skin, nails, barbering and massage therapy. The Foundation also organizes and participates in numerous philanthropic fundraisers that shine the spotlight on the charitable initiatives of the beauty and wellness community.

About Wella, the Salon Professional Division of P&G: Wella's products help make beauty dreams real every day for millions of stylists and consumers worldwide. Wella brands are distributed in more than 180,000 salons across the globe, and include Wella Professionals Care and Styling as well as Koleston Perfect, Illumina Color, Color Touch and Blondor by Wella Professionals; Sebastian Professional; Clairol Professional and Nioxin. The Vidal Sassoon Professional Beauty Education Scholarship grant is part of Wella's "Hairdressers at Heart," an industry-wide program that supports stylists at each stage of their career with scholarships, through artistic competition, and with assisted child care and salon grants for community service.