The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) began accepting applications for Beacon 2015 on Monday, December 1, 2014. Students enrolled in an appropriate program (cosmetology, esthetics, nail technicians, etc.) in the U.S. or Canada between September 1, 2014 and March 19, 2015 are eligible to apply with a $50 application fee. Former Beacon winners and honorable mentions are not eligible. Entries must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. EST (8:59 p.m. PST) on March 19, 2015, with winners being announced on the Beacon Facebook page on May 4, 2015.

A panel of top salon and spa owners, manufacturers, and distributors will score each submission for creativity and professionalism. The submissions will include a professional resume, a letter of recommendation, a portfolio of images, and a professional marketing piece. By simply entering the Beacon competition, students develop a professional business portfolio that aids their transition into the workplace. Free tuition to attend Beacon will be offered to the 100 entrants with the highest scores. Honorable mentions will be awarded to the next 200 entrants with the highest scores; they will be offered a discounted tuition fee of $199. Discounted tuition to attend PBA Beauty Week will also be offered to cosmetology instructors and administrators to encourage them to attend in support of their winning students.            

The top students who are invited to attend the Beacon program during PBA Beauty Week will have the opportunity to network with top salon owners and attend industry events such as the PBA Business Forum, the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA), and Cosmoprof North America. Students can also take advantage of Beacon’s specialized training in resume writing, interviewing, leadership, and entrepreneurial strategies within the professional beauty industry. For event dates, an entry checklist, and application tips, please click here. 

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For more information about your career in nails, check out these helpful links:

NAILS Career Handbook

http://www.nailsmag.com/education/nail-school