The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is holding its 113th convention in Atlantic City this week. One of the event’s highlights is the ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics) award ceremony, which is a part of the NAACP's convention.

ACT-SO is a year-long scholarship program that helps high school students promote their growth in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), business management, marketing, and writing.

Last fall, NAACP and Lancôme, the skincare, makeup, and fragrance brand, announced a partnership to help bring equity to education and encourage career development in the United States. The multi-billion-dollar brand pledged to donate $2 million by 2025.

This week, Lancôme ambassadress and Oscar award-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o, a supporter of the Write Her Future program, surprised 40 NAACP youth members on stage at the convention, awarding each student a $10,000 scholarship. The students received the scholarships during the ACT-SO award ceremony in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Through the NAACP's partnership with Lancôme, the Write Her Future Scholarship Fund focuses on empowering women through literacy, education, mentoring, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

"Since I was a child, I have always had big dreams, and my education has played a huge part in helping me realize them," said Lupita. "I've always loved learning and believe learners change the world. I am thrilled to join Lancôme, on behalf of their Write Her Future Scholarship Fund, to award this incredible group of women these game-changing scholarships."

Through its partnership with NAACP and ACT-SO, the Write Her Future Scholarship Fund builds on Lancôme's global commitment to empower women through literacy, education, mentoring, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

"We're excited to once again provide talented young women across the country the opportunity to develop their creativity further and achieve their academic dreams with purpose and unrestricted passion," said NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson in a statement. "Young people are the future. We're excited to see how participants in the program will positively impact their communities and create change for themselves and the next generation."

"Lancôme, at its core, seeks to bring happiness to its customers, but nothing brings us more joy than seeing the winners of our first Write Her Future Scholarship Fund receive their awards today," said Lancôme USA, General Manager Giovanni Valentini. "We've been so impressed by all the applicants, but we couldn't be prouder of the amazing finalists recognized today and see our mission of providing equitable educational opportunities for young women of color come to fruition today."