SCC cosmetology student awarded SECU’s ‘People Helping People’ scholarship

Lauren Brown, a Fairmont native, is one of two recipients at Southeastern Community College of the “People Helping People” scholarship sponsored by the State Employees’ Credit Union Foundation. The scholarship is valued at $5,000 with $1,250 awarded per semester. With the goal of opening her own cosmetology salon, Brown is building a firm foundation in hair, nails and esthetics at SCC.  

“To the State Employees’ Credit Union Foundation, I am so grateful for getting this scholarship, and I will definitely put it to good use,” Brown said. “The financial aid office here at SCC was so great to work with and applying for the ‘People Helping People’ scholarship was such an easy process.”  

The purpose of the “People Helping People” scholarship is to recognize leadership, integrity and community involvement in addition to academic achievement. At her church, Brown works with the children’s program and “leads by example.” As a senior at Fairmont High School, Brown was the captain of her volleyball team.  

“I served as Fairmont Farmers’ Festival Teen Miss and held leadership roles in the town of Fairmont,” Brown said. “I participated in many town events like the Halloween carnivals and Bingo games for the elderly.” 

In high school, Brown was part of the Beta Club and National Honor Society, earning many hours of volunteer service at canned food drives and the Keys to Life breast cancer awareness events. She won the Outstanding Senior Award and was a homecoming court representative. Brown met the requirements for the N.C. Scholar status, having an unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above. 

“In these roles, I made sure that I made leadership a priority and represented my school and community very well,” Brown said. “Making lasting connections with people is what makes life so great.” 

At SCC, Brown is working on her associate’s degree in applied science with a concentration in cosmetology. Impressed by the quality of work seen online from previous students, Brown knew that SCC’s cosmetology program was the correct choice for her.  

“I really like how up to date this program is with following the latest trends in the world of hair care and styles,” Brown said. “I love my instructors, and I’ve made a lot of friends in my classes.” 

Brown said her journey at SCC has helped her become more independent and mature as a young adult. Her interactions with students she’s known for a few months have helped strengthen her social and branding skills for her future cosmetology business.  

Growing up through the years, Brown said she has “always loved playing with hair and make-up.” As a cosmetology student at SCC, Brown wants to turn that love for hair and make-up, ignited as a child, into a full-time career. Mixing chemicals and applying color to hair is her favorite part of cosmetology.  

After graduation, Brown wants to rent a chair at a salon to gain work experience and build up her clientele before opening her own salon. She plans to graduate in December 2026 and walk the graduation stage in May 2027. 

“I initially applied for the ‘People Helping People’ scholarship because of the name of the scholarship,” Brown said. “Thanks to this scholarship, I will be able to help people look and feel more confident with a new hair style.” 

Outside of school, Brown enjoys hanging out at Sunset Beach, shopping with her family and friends and attending the Carolina Country Music Festival in Myrtle Beach every year.  

Interested in a career in cosmetology? Get started this spring for FREE through the NextNC Scholarship. Learn more by calling 910-788-6247. 

For more information about scholarships at SCC, contact the Office of Financial Aid at 910-788-6214 or by email at [email protected].