The Science of Beauty in the Hillsborough County School District
Updated: Jun 12
Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is the third largest district in Florida and the 7th largest school district in the United States. Serving over 224,152 students, U.S. News reported that 70% of students are minorities and 36.7% are considered economically disadvantaged. As school districts across the nation prioritize STEM programming, the students within these classrooms deserve to see themselves — their full selves, including their passions — reflected in what's possible.
We’re so eager to announce that The Science of Beauty is officially piloting programming in Hillsborough County.
This year, we brought our curriculum to Sligh Middle School, Rodgers Middle School, Young Middle School, and the Boys & Girls Club in West Palm Beach. Through hands-on demonstrations and creative programming, we've been introducing young minority students to the powerful intersections of STEM and beauty — repositioning the beauty industry as what it truly is: an applied science field, and a viable career pathway.
For our Founder, Sakeya Donaldson, this moment is deeply personal. Sakeya was once expelled from a Hillsborough County school. To now return — not as a student being kicked out, but as a leader opening doors for the next generation — is nothing short of full-circle. Additionally, this milestone emphasizes so much of the work Sakeya does as a STEM advocate.
The weight of this moment was brought into sharp focus recently when Sakeya judged the Hillsborough County Regional STEM Fair. Last year, she attended a similar fair and left unsettled — there wasn't much diversity among the students present, nor in the projects on display. This year was different. Among the entries, she found a student whose project drew direct connections between makeup and science. It was exactly the kind of work The Science of Beauty was built to inspire: a young person who refused to choose between her curiosity and her identity, and who found the science hiding inside something she already loved.
"Sometimes all it takes is seeing yourself in the work. For so many young people, the barrier to STEM isn't always ability — it's imagination. Not because they lack it, but because no one has ever shown them a future that includes the crossroads of their interests. When a young girl can look at the chemistry behind the products she uses to slay her edges and connect the dots— that's when everything changes. The beauty industry has always been a science. We're just finally making sure the girls know it too," says Sakeya.
That student exists in every classroom.
They just may need a spark.
The BODY BLUEPRINT KIT is where curiosity becomes creation. Designed for the next generation of scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators, this hands-on kit invites young "Lab Leaders" to formulate their own body products — from custom soaps to nourishing scrubs — while uncovering the real science behind what goes on their skin. It’s the product that extends our mission beyond our summer programming at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and our online webinar series — powered by MyAvana – that brings the science of beauty directly into schools, and directly to the girls who need it most. For Black girls especially, representation in STEM isn't just about seeing scientists who look like them. It's about seeing scientists who are them — who love what they love, and build a career out of it anyway.
While our pilot programs have only just begun, we've already seen exciting developments among our students. In a workshop at Rodgers Middle Magnet School, students left reflections like: "It makes me feel better about myself… and it lets me know I don't have to spend a lot of money on these big skincare brands. I can make my own products at home that will help my body." Teacher Jantaisa Johnson shared, "I think The Science of Beauty is a great program, especially because so many of our girls are mini-entrepreneurs. We have girls in our group who are lash techs, hair stylists, and a couple who are interested in makeup. The Science of Beauty opens a new door — a segue for them to learn about a real future career pathway for themselves."
And we are not done yet.
This summer, The Science of Beauty is kicking off our Summer of Science with a special pre-tour stop right here in Hillsborough County, where this program began in 2023 and where this work has always been personal.
Bottle It: The Science of Scents is a six-day fragrance experience inviting aspiring scientists, innovators, and beauty creatives to dive into the chemistry of scent and discover how biology, creativity, and science combine to create the fragrances that define culture, memory, and identity. From lab demonstrations and guest lectures by industry leaders to film screenings and interactive assignments, every moment is crafted to spark curiosity and fuel ambition.
This camp is an extension of our Summer of Science HBCU Experience, bringing the same level of rigor, intention, and community directly to the girls in our own backyard.
Who can attend?
Girls between the ages of 10 and 14 who are curious, creative, and excited to learn about science through the lens of beauty and wellness.
What to expect?
Over five transformative days, students will:
Participate in interactive lab demonstrations
Engage with STEM and beauty industry leaders
Enjoy film screenings and guided discussions
Build confidence through professional development workshops
Take part in hands-on activities that deepen scientific understanding
Create their own fragrant creations
Why does this matter?
When girls are exposed to new experiences and scientific exploration, they begin to recognize their power, their potential, and the possibility of leading in STEM. Through The Science of Beauty, we connect science to self-esteem, creativity, and community, helping girls feel empowered in their minds and in their skin.
Hillsborough County was where Sakeya's story took an unexpected turn. It is also where The Science of Beauty chose to plant its first roots. Coming home this summer is not just a tour stop. It is a declaration that the girls in this community deserve every door this program can open.
We cannot wait to see what they create. ✨
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