Joe Francis Haircare/Cosmetology Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship Foundation
Intro / Biography
Joe Francis began his business career as a teenager: at 17 he became the youngest licensed barber in Minnesota. In 1957, he and his wife Flo opened a single-chair shop in West St. Paul, Minnesota — the modest start of a lifetime pursuit of the American Dream.
A consummate craftsman, Joe built his reputation through confidence, optimism, trust in his team, and a drive to elevate the profession. He won recognition in international hair competitions and became especially known for his razor-cut technique. In 1963 he launched The Barbers Hairstyling for Men, the industry’s first full-service men’s salon offering facials, manicures, and his distinctive razor-cut method.
Ahead of industry trends, Joe and Flo took a personal financial risk to expand the concept into a franchise. They pooled savings, used credit cards, and secured bank loans to grow the business. In 1968 The Barbers, Inc. went public. As the first franchisor in the field, they created ownership and management opportunities for many barbers and stylists and earned wide respect across the hair industry.
Eligibility
- Applicants must either be applying for admission to a Cosmetology or Barber school or be currently enrolled in a Cosmetology or Barber program.
- Students who graduate from Cosmetology or Barber school between January 1 and August 31 of the current award year are not eligible.
- Students enrolled in Esthetician or Nail training programs are not eligible.
Application process
- Application season runs January 1 through June 1. Use the “Apply Online” link to begin your application.
- Complete every question and include all requested financial information; incomplete applications cannot be submitted.
- You may save your application as a draft and return to it later.
- Two letters of recommendation are required. Your application cannot be submitted for review until both recommendation letters have been received.
- Deadline to submit the application is June 1, 2026.
- All applicants will be informed of award decisions in September.