Rodan + Fields Invests $350,000 to Empower Future Female STEM Entrepreneurs

In a landmark initiative, Rodan + Fields, renowned as the top skincare brand created by female dermatologists in the United States, has pledged a substantial investment of $350,000 to support the next generation of female founders in the STEM fields. This investment comes as part of a strategic partnership with Girls Inc., a leading organization dedicated to empowering girls through mentorship, education, and leadership opportunities.

Investment Breakdown

The $350,000 investment consists of two significant components: a $100,000 allocation for the Rodan + Fields Future Founders Scholarship and a $250,000 contribution to Girls Inc.'s Project Accelerate. The Future Founders Scholarship is designed to provide direct financial aid for young women pursuing STEM-focused education and entrepreneurial pathways. Meanwhile, Project Accelerate focuses on career preparedness, offering mentorship, internship placements, and college application support.

With this initiative, Rodan + Fields aims to create tangible opportunities and a supportive network for young women aspiring to establish their own STEM-driven enterprises. According to the latest statistics, women are critically underrepresented in the startup sector, with only 28% of startups having a female founder. This is a gap that Rodan + Fields is determined to help close through this investment.

Building a Legacy

Founded by Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields, both Stanford-trained dermatologists, Rodan + Fields has always emphasized the importance of women's leadership in science and innovation. Dimitri Haloulos, the CEO of Rodan + Fields, expressed his commitment to empowering young women through education and mentorship, stating, "We know firsthand what's possible when young women are given access to STEM education, mentorship, and real investment."

The partnership with Girls Inc. represents a shared vision of fostering future female leaders who can drive change and innovation in STEM fields. The collaboration is set to unfold throughout 2026, with milestones including scholarship announcements, mentorship opportunities, and stories from participants highlighting their journeys.

About Project Accelerate

Girls Inc.'s Project Accelerate program has already made a significant impact by serving over 5,900 young women since its inception in 2021. With the additional funds from Rodan + Fields, the program will broaden its reach, aiming to place 1,000 participants into the workforce by 2030. The program equips young women with essential skills, mentorship, and access to professional networks, essential for their career growth.

As part of this initiative, participants from Girls Inc. will have the opportunity to visit Rodan + Fields' innovation lab in Berkeley. These exclusive experiences will provide insights into the workings of a skincare brand and help demystify careers in STEM, product development, and entrepreneurship.

Impact and Future Directions

Dr. Stephanie J. Hull, President and CEO of Girls Inc., praised the partnership, emphasizing that meaningful investments are crucial to nurturing girls' potential. Beyond funding, the alliance opens doors to mentorship and exploration of careers in STEM and business.

The investment reaffirms Rodan + Fields' commitment to creating pathways for future female entrepreneurs and underscores the belief that women can lead in science, innovation, and entrepreneurship. By fostering an environment that encourages young women to explore and thrive in STEM, Rodan + Fields and Girls Inc. aim to build a legacy of empowered female leaders who will shape the future.

For more information about the Future Founders Scholarship and Project Accelerate, interested individuals can visit Rodan + Fields and Girls Inc.’s official websites. This collaboration marks a significant step towards bridging the gender gap in STEM industries, ensuring that future generations of women have both the support and resources they need to succeed in their endeavors.