The Cécred x BeyGOOD Fund, founded by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, is entering its third year with an expanded focus on cosmetology education and measurable career outcomes.
For 2026, the initiative will award $250K in total funding, distributing $25K grants to 10 cosmetology institutions across the U.S. and U.K.
The shift to tuition support, rather than primarily individual scholarships and business grants, signals a more targeted investment in student pipelines and program completion.
"As a licensed cosmetologist and former salon owner, I’ll never forget my own beginnings at Franklin School and the pure passion it takes to succeed in this craft," says Ms. Tina Knowles, Cécred’s Vice Chairwoman and Chair of the Board of Directors at BeyGOOD Foundation.
"Today, the cost of tuition, tools, and equipment is hitting record highs, making it harder for aspiring cosmetologists to afford their education,” she says.
“By expanding our grants from five to 10 schools this year, we are providing vital financial support so these talented students can focus on their training and pursue their passions.”
Since launching in 2024, the fund has allocated $1 million across 133 recipients, including students and salon owners, supporting both tuition and early-stage business development. Previous rounds included direct-to-recipient grants for salon and barbershop entrepreneurs.
This year’s model places increased emphasis on affordability and retention in beauty education, with partner schools selecting recipients based on financial need, academic progress, and professional intent.
A key development in 2026 is the rollout of a formal tracking and support infrastructure. BeyGOOD will monitor graduation rates, licensure outcomes, and job placement metrics, introducing a data-driven layer that aligns the program more closely with workforce development goals.
In parallel, the fund is building a longer-term professional network through mentorship, virtual programming, and career visibility initiatives.
For salon owners, educators, and brands, the program’s evolution reflects a broader industry shift: investing not just in access to education, but in measurable career pathways and sustained talent development.