Lancome and award-winning actress and brand ambassador Lupita Nyong’o presented scholarships to the winners of the beauty brand’s ‘Write Her Future’ scholarship fund.

The grants were presented during the NAACP’s ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics) National Competition and Ceremonies. 

Lancome has pledged to donate $2 million to the scholarship fund by 2025.

Nyong’o, a supporter of the ‘Write Her Future’ program, joined the brand at the ceremony to present the scholarships to the young winners and speak to attendees about the importance of equity in education.

“Since I was a child, I have always had big dreams, and my education has played a huge part in helping me realize them,” says Nyong’o. “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.”

ACT-SO is a year-long program targeted at high school students across that country that promotes their growth in disciplines ranging from visual arts and business to performing and culinary arts and provides scholarship opportunities.

Through its partnership with NAACP and ACT-SO, the Write Her Future Scholarship Fund builds on the Lancôme’s global commitment to empower women through literacy and education, as well as mentoring and entrepreneurship opportunities.

“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 President & CEO Derrick Johnson. “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 scholarships awarded today will provide the students with the opportunity to further their development in areas ranging from STEM, business management, marketing, and writing.