Bumble and bumble is seeking to support the subsequent generation of hairstylists.

The hair care brand has partnered with Point Foundation, a scholarship fund that supports members of the LGBTQ community in continued education and profession development, to launch the organization’s first hair trade scholarship.

Through the initiative, 4 aspiring hairstylists will enter a yearlong mentorship program, which is able to equip them with profession resources, coaching and in-salon experience at Bumble and bumble salons. One other cohort, which has yet to be determined in size, shall be announced the next yr.

“Education plays a central role to who Bumble and bumble is — we very much consider ourselves a teaching brand, and this partnership gave the look of a terrific option to further that mission,” said Corey Reese, general manager.

This system’s inaugural cohort consists of Jordyn Rogers, who hails from Glenview, Sick.; Jaron Hood from Huntsville, Ala.; Taylor Skillen of Santa Monica, Calif., and Patricia Hunter, who comes from Flint, Mich.

“Through this collaborative effort, we are able to empower and equip these students with the needed tools to flourish of their desired profession paths,” Reese said.

This system marks the most recent effort by Point Foundation — which was founded in 2001 and has awarded greater than $50 million in scholarships to students since — to constantly expand its support of diverse profession paths. In 2016, the organization launched its community college scholarship program, and is eyeing opportunities to further support trade and vocational school entrants.

“If we wish to create a spot of equity and folks being treated fairly, we’d like to support young folks that are studying in every field conceivable,” said Jorge Valencia, executive director and chief executive officer of Point Foundation.

This mission, he said, is much more relevant considering the surge in anti-LGBTQ laws that has been introduced this yr, much of which could potentially jeopardize gender-affirming health look after transgender youths, and seeks to manage discussions around gender identity and sexuality in public school curriculums.

“We approach [Pride] month with great pride and a bit little bit of sadness. One can often assume that certain areas and industries is perhaps protected from [anti-LGBTQ sentiment], but that’s not at all times the case. I feel loads of young individuals are feeling an increasing number of that they should stand together and search for community, and we look ahead to creating more of that year-to-year,” Valencia said.

In 2023, Point foundation is pledging financial and programatic support to 574 LGBTQ students pursuing higher education, marking the organization’s largest class of students to this point. The induction of the Hair Trade Scholarship expands the corporate’s mission to latest terrain, while also bringing Bumble and bumble’s commitment to skilled and consumer education to life in a latest way.

“We’re committed to testing, learning and ensuring this latest program works well for our students,” Reese said.