THE XENON FOUNDATION AND AACS TEAM UP TO AWARD
BEAUTY SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS
Student Endowments Fulfill Xenon's Wish To Promote Cosmetology Careers
For more than 40 years, Xenon made his mark on hairdressing as a world-renowned educator, platform artist, teacher and owner of his own salon and school. But it can be said that perhaps the most profound effect he will have had on this industry before his death on Feb. 7, 2001, is establishing the eponymous foundation that is dedicated to building the future of cosmetology by awarding scholarships to those pursuing their careers.
Together with the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), The Xenon Foundation will provide scholarships to cosmetology students choosing to attend AACS member schools. Similar to that of the ACE Grant Program, the school will match the funds. But unlike the ACE Grant Program, which only offers financial assistance to those just entering cosmetology school, the Xenon/AACS Scholarships also allow current students or licensed professionals the opportunity to continue their education and become licensed in other areas such as nail or skincare.
While the Xenon/AACS Scholarships will not replace the existing ACE Grant Program, there are several factors that allow the two to benefit from the affiliation.
According to Jim Cox, executive director of AACS, the grant program began five years ago as a collaboration between AACS, Cosmetology Advancement Foundation (CAF) and the Beauty and Barber Supply Institute (BBSI). And although the numbers show that the program has assisted more than 2000 students through the years to the tune of $2 million, companies wanting to donate money to the program couldn't because AACS is not a foundation.
"We knew we had to affiliate with a foundation in order to attract donations that would help boost school attendance," said Cox. "By affiliating with The Xenon Foundation, those companies now have an outlet to donate money, and we can continue to help those who need some type of financial assistance in two ways - through the Xenon/AACS Scholarships as well as the existing ACE Grant Program."
Frank Cacciato, president of the foundation and CEO of Katherine Frank Creative Inc., agreed. "The Xenon Foundation and AACS share the same philosophy - that the only way to diminish the labor shortage in this industry is to promote the profession and provide financial incentives to those who thought they could never afford to attend beauty school," said Cacciato. "In conjunction with AACS, The Xenon Foundation is able to help more students as well as those who want to further their careers because the AACS member schools match our endowments, allowing us to help more students at one time."
Formed in 2001 in compliance with the final wish of its originator, Peter M. Franelli (aka Xenon), the Xenon Foundation is a non-profit organization that offers scholarships to individuals wishing to attend beauty school and obtain their cosmetology license or to licensed professionals with the desire to pursue other areas within the industry such as nail and skincare. The endowments, awarded several times annually in conjunction with the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), help students fulfill their dreams by easing the financial burden of attending beauty school and promoting continuing education.
For more information about The Xenon Foundation, please visit www.xenonfoundation.org or call Frank Cacciato at 630.620.7720. For more information about AACS, please visit www.beautyschools.org or call 800.831.1086.
