Henkel North America launches scholarship, internship programs

Henkel North America is doing its part to provide access to quality education and job opportunities for students in underrepresented communities.

The company, which is the parent company to such brands as Loctite, Dial, Right Guard, Schwarzkopf and Persil, is launching a new scholarship and internship program across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Created to increase diversity, equity and inclusion, the DEI programs look to build leadership, education and career opportunities that support growth in underrepresented communities, the company said.

“Henkel believes that increased access to quality education and job opportunities is a critical lever to help close the equity gap in society and business," said Steven Essick, president of North America and regional head of finance. "These new Henkel scholarship and internship programs will reach students from underrepresented populations in North America and help strengthen the future workforce.”  

With an initial investment of more than $600,000, the programs will roll out over the next year and include $445,000 to establish the Henkel Diversity Scholarship.

The scholarship program, which will be available online through Scholarship America, offers students a renewable four-year scholarship, the company said.

“We are thrilled to join forces with Henkel on its new scholarship program that provides financial assistance to students from diverse populations in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico,” said Robert C.  Ballard, president and CEO of Scholarship America. “We have long supported the values of diversity, equity and inclusion, and we are doing everything we can to create equity in higher education.”

In addition, the company aims to enrich its internship opportunities with INROADS and CEE Centre For Young Black Professionals.

“Meaningful partnerships with businesses like Henkel are vital to expand our reach and impact while continuing our mission of delivering innovative programs that accelerate and elevate the development of underrepresented talent throughout their careers,” said Forest T. Harper Jr., president and CEO of INROADS.

Through these partnerships, the company will offer mentoring and training opportunities across a range of areas, including engineering and business analytics, research and development, product development, talent acquisition, marketing, sales, logistics, and e-commerce.

“At CEE, we work with young Black youths, their families, community leaders and companies like Henkel to help create positive opportunities, including internships, that empower youths to pursue their passions while learning ways to overcome social and economic barriers with an amazing community support group,” said Agapi Gessesse, executive director at CEE.

Those interested in applying for the Henkel Diversity Scholarship program can do so online until March 18.