Jerry Alexander Gorman Foundation “The Passion to Succeed” Cosmo, Hairstyling/Barbering Fall 2026

The Jerry Alexander Gorman Foundation “The Passion to Succeed” Cosmetology, Hair Design, or Barbering Student Scholarship 

Jerry Alexander Gorman lived a life dedicated to his passion for the professional beauty industry. As a young man, with a new family to support, he took evening classes to become a licensed cosmetologist, while working full-time during the day. His perseverance for success did not stop there. After working for years as a hairdresser, he soon opened his first salon and, many years later, became a national sales manager for a major manufacturer of salon and home beauty products. After years of experience, he channeled his love for the industry and decided to give back by becoming a successful and beloved educator. 

In that spirit, his family formed the Jerry Alexander Gorman Foundation in his memory in 2015. The foundation was created with its main emphasis on awarding scholarships for students, specifically to those living in lower-income families, to support their education in any discipline within the professional beauty industry. 

Scholarship Description & Award Information 

The Jerry Alexander Gorman Foundation “The Passion to Succeed” Student Scholarship was formed to support those in need to achieve their goal of becoming a licensed professional. The scholarship will be awarded through the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation and is open to newly accepted or currently enrolled students in a cosmetology, hair design, or barbering that leads to licensure in the U.S. 

Award Amounts and Number of Scholarships

Two (2) $6,500 scholarships for Cosmetology, Hair Design, or Barbering Students. 

For Fall 2026 Scholarship season, opens from September 1 - October 31, 2026, at 11:59 PST.

Eligibility/Qualifications

• Be 18 years of age or older at the time of application.
• Be enrolled in or accepted to an eligible Cosmetology, barbering, or hair design program at:
• a U.S.-accredited school leading to licensure or the applicable state-recognized equivalent;
• a BCL Qualifying Partner School.
• Demonstrate passion for the Cosmetology profession, commitment to education, and financial need.
• Not have previously received a scholarship administered by Beauty Changes Lives, including scholarships funded by the Jerry Alexander Gorman Foundation, or any other BCL partner.
• Not be an employee, contractor, or immediate family member of BCL, the Jerry Alexander Gorman Foundation, or an affiliated vendor.

BCL reserves the right to verify eligibility and make final determinations.

Application Requirements

1. Complete the online application and submit proof of enrollment/acceptance letter from an accredited school or institution.  
2. Submit a 3-MINUTE MAXIMUM (Cannot be a short format) YouTube video with a public link answering the following questions:

• Jerry Gorman had a passion for the industry, and he overcame many obstacles to make his dream a reality. What obstacles have you faced on your journey? 
• Why do you want to make a career in the professional beauty industry? What part of the industry drives your passion? What made you choose this profession? 
• What financial constraints have affected your ability to follow your dream? How will this scholarship be beneficial to your success?