Thrive Causemetics® Awards First $10,000 Los Angeles Wildfire Recovery Scholarship Honoring John Muir High Graduate Jada Dean and Kicks Off a $100,000 Investment in Education & Creative Careers

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fueled by the extraordinary generosity of customers who rallied behind Thrive Causemetics^® and Bigger Than Beauty Skincare^®'s wildfire–relief donation campaign earlier this year, the brand is empowering the next wave of dream‑chasers whether they're headed to college, trade school, or makeup‑artistry training. Today the company officially launches the Los Angeles Wildfire Recovery Scholarship, a $100,000 initiative that will award ten $10,000 scholarships to wildfire-impacted Angelenos pursuing higher education or professional training in creative and vocational fields.

To inaugurate the program, Thrive Causemetics^® surprised Jada Dean, a John Muir High School graduate and Eaton Canyon wildfire survivor, with the first $10,000 award. Jada will begin studies at Pasadena City College this fall, then transfer to an HBCU. Founder & CEO of Thrive Causemetics^® and Bigger Than Beauty Skincare^® Karissa Bodnar presented the scholarship during a makeup masterclass at the company's Playa Vista headquarters, turning a beauty lesson into an unforgettable celebration of hope.

"Jada's story shows how determination, fueled by community, can change lives. We're honored to invest in her future and in every applicant ready to thrive and rebuild their dreams," said Bodnar.

A Scholarship Built for Every Dreamer
Through the Thrive Causemetics^® Foundation, scholarships are open to: graduating high-school seniors heading to two- or four-year colleges or universities; students enrolling in trade or vocational programs from cosmetology and makeup-artistry schools to nursing and coding bootcamps; and adult learners whose education or certification plans were disrupted by the fires. Awards may be used for tuition, housing, books, supplies, or professional toolkits.

Part of a Half-Million-Dollar Commitment to Wildfire Relief
Earlier this year, Thrive Causemetics^® immediately donated $250,000 to frontline organizations (including the American Red Cross LA Region, LAFD Foundation, World Central Kitchen, Pasadena Humane Society, and Animal Wellness Foundation) to address urgent needs after the fires. Today's scholarship launch is the first initiative funded from the second $250,000 reserved for long-term recovery. This remaining investment will support scholarships, small-business grants, and grassroots partners bringing the brand's total wildfire-relief commitment to $500,000.

Now Accepting Applications
Eligible applicants must (1) be currently enrolled or plan to attend an accredited 2- or 4-year college, university, or trade/vocational program (including cosmetology and makeup-artistry schools) by Fall 2026; (2) have been personally affected by the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires (evacuation, loss of home, or economic hardship); Apply today at thrivecausemetics.com/scholarship.

Disclosure: Scholarships are administered through the Thrive Causemetics Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates under the umbrella of Thrive Causemetics, Inc. As a tax-exempt entity, the Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of the brand, rooted in their mission to help communities thrive by supporting organizations and initiatives aligned with eight cause categories: cancer, domestic abuse, homelessness, veterans, LGBTQ+ communities, education, racial + social justice, and under-resourced youth.

Through strategic grants, in-kind donations, and meaningful partnerships, the Foundation fuels the work of nonprofit organizations that are empowering individuals and transforming lives. Every initiative supported by the Thrive Causemetics Foundation reflects our belief that beauty can be a catalyst for positive change.

Media Contact: [email protected]

About Thrive Causemetics^® & Bigger Than Beauty Skincare^® – Beauty That Gives Back
Thrive Causemetics^® and Bigger Than Beauty Skincare^® create high-performance, vegan, cruelty-free makeup and skincare. For every product purchased, we donate to help communities thrive. Since 2015 we've contributed more than $175 million in funds and products to over 700 Giving Partners supporting cancer warriors, domestic-abuse survivors, veterans, underserved youth, LGBTQ+ communities, wildfire relief, and more.

SOURCE Thrive Causemetics