Procter & Gamble Hair Care Brands Gold Series by Pantene and Royal Oils by Head & Shoulders Announce Awardees of #RootedinScience Scholarship

Thirty-one future STEM professionals are the recipients of the second annual Rooted in Science Scholarship.

Gold Series and Royal Oils have committed to providing $1 million in total scholarships over five years to support the growth and development of future Black STEM-focused innovators pursuing degrees at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and UNCF-member schools.

Recipients of the Rooted in Science Scholarship will each receive up to $5,000 a year for up to two years for expenses associated with pursuing their degree. See all of the recipients here.

A 2019 Pew Research Center study revealed that Black professionals remain underrepresented in the STEM workforce, making up nearly 9%. As two brands that are #RootedinScience, Royal Oils and Gold Series launched the scholarship in 2020 to support the growth and development of future Black STEM-focused innovators.

“With the success of our inaugural program in 2021, we are honored to recognize the 2022 Rooted in Science Scholarship recipients,” said Atiya Jordan-Brown, P&G Beauty Senior Scientist.

Gold Series from Pantene was formulated by a team of Black scientists, Ph.Ds., dermatologists and stylists who understand the unique needs of textured hair and provides superior moisturization. Through decades of cutting-edge innovation and technology, plus on-going research of textured hair, Royal Oils by Head & Shoulders was also developed to deliver superior scalp care and moisturization for any style.

“On behalf of Royal Oils and Gold Series, I am proud that we have the opportunity to encourage Black women and men to continue making a difference in the STEM space and pursue their dreams,” Dr. Rolanda Wilkerson, P&G Beauty Principal Scientist, said.

A 2021 study by the Pew Research Center reports that 69% of Black college graduates working in a STEM job say that someone made them feel excited about their abilities in related subjects, with 68% sharing that someone helped them see the relevance of these fields for their job or career.

Our commitment to student success and representation starts with P&G leaders, including Dr. Rolanda Wilkerson, P&G Beauty Principal Scientist, and Atiya Jordan-Brown, P&G Beauty Senior Scientist.

“As a Black female scientist, I know how much representation matters,” said Wilkerson. “It’s critical that we continue to foster diversity within STEM fields, as we need the next generation of Black minds to continue to innovate and develop products that better meet our needs.

P&G longtime partner UNCF will facilitate the distribution of funds.

“UNCF is proud to play a role in narrowing the diversity gap in STEM fields that create innovation across diverse communities and around the world,” says Maurice E. Jenkins, Jr., executive vice president and chief development officer, UNCF. “We applaud Procter & Gamble for their commitment and financial support.”

P&G’s Jordan-Brown says the program is already having an impact.

“Black students are actualizing their dreams and taking steps to become the future of the STEM workforce.”

Read more about P&G’s commitment to Equality & Inclusion.