Beyoncé Cécred scholarship winner says she ‘was shocked’ to receive grant

Beyoncé’s BeyGood charity has already chosen its first round of students to receive its new Cécred scholarship, and one of them says she still “can’t believe it” – but she’s looking forward to fulfilling her dreams now more than ever.

In April, the singer’s foundation announced the first round of winners for its $500,000 Cécred X BeyGood fund, which included 25 students across five different cosmetology schools and 25 qualifying salon business owners demonstrating financial need. Each students received a $10,000 grant or scholarship, enabling them to continue making an impact in their communities.

In June, the organization chose its second round of winners for the business grant.

Jacora Smart, 29, is one of the first five winners of the Cécred and BeyGood Student scholarship at the Beaver Beauty Academy in Decatur, Georgia.

Prior to the application opening, Beyoncé’s personal hairstylist Neal Farinah and Cécred’s Director of Education Dr. Kari Williams visited Smart’s school to demo products and talk to students.

“They wanted to know about our financial need, and also about what community means to us when it comes to the beauty industry. And basically, (they wanted) to see how our values align with Cecréd,” says Smart.

Other first-round recipients at Beaver Beauty Academy include Christina Chatman, Curtissa Butts, Marcus Boatwright and Sevaya Sayavong.

Cécred scholarship ‘means everything to me’
“We also had to show off our portfolio of what we’ve done hair-wise. And I also included some makeup looks that I’ve done, because that was my first love … And I just hit send and prayed for the best.”