The Estée Lauder Companies’ has started new talent and development program in partnership with Florida A&M University (FAMU) to build the next generation of Black beauty leaders in travel retail. 
 
In line with the company’s commitments to Racial Equity announced in June 2020, ELC’s Travel Retail division has created an exclusive internship and scholarship program with Florida A&M University — which is ranked number one among public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)[1] — furthering the company’s goal to double full time and intern recruits from HBCUs. 
 
Through this exclusive 10-week summer internship program, Florida A&M University’s rising juniors and seniors will have an inside look into the fast-paced world of travel retail at ELC. One of the company’s fastest growing channels, Travel Retail covers the world of duty-free environments, including airports, downtown locations, airlines, cruises and border shops, touching over three billion passengers annually.  With placements in the company’s New York and Miami offices, students will be exposed to the dynamic, international channel and have a chance to learn how to build brand equity and market share by catering to the diverse, traveling consumer. 
 
In addition, 41 merit scholarships of $10,000 will be awarded to students in the University’s School of Business and Industry over the course of five years by Florida A&M University on behalf of The Estée Lauder Companies.
 
“What distinguishes FAMU from other universities is its legacy of providing access to high-quality, affordable education to many students who otherwise may never have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams of getting a college degree,” said FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. “We are thrilled to build on this legacy of development in partnership with The Estée Lauder Companies to open new doors for our student population and demonstrate for them how their voices and unique perspectives can create a positive impact to build a better beauty industry.”
 
 
“As a graduate of two HBCUs, I know the power these communities have in raising each other up, celebrating our unique perspectives and building confidence to seize opportunities,” said Nicole Monson, senior VP, equity and engagement, The Estée Lauder Companies. “Our goal at ELC is to create a similarly inclusive culture and to be both the employer of choice for diverse talent and the brand of choice for our global consumers. By welcoming FAMU into the ELC Family, we are taking another critical step towards racial equity, and I look forward to developing what I am confident will be a meaningful, long-term relationship with the University, its students and alumni.”
 
 
Rising FAMU students and alumni can explore and learn more about this partnership.
 
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University was founded on October 3, 1887 with classes with 15 students taught by two instructors. Today, FAMU is one of 12 institutions in Florida's State University System and has nearly 10,000 students. FAMU offers 54 bachelor’s degrees, 29 master’s degrees, 12 doctoral degrees and three professional degrees. The three professional degrees include the J.D., Pharm.D., and the Doctor of Physical Therapy.