A Dallas nonprofit is working to reshape how young girls see themselves in science by connecting STEM education to something many already love: beauty products. Black to the Lab, founded by Kristen Wells‑Collins of Dallas, partners with schools and youth organizations to deliver hands‑on cosm etic chemistry lessons. Through activity kits and pop‑up lab experiences, students learn to create items like lip gloss, body scrubs, and lotions, while discovering the chemistry behind everyday products. Wells‑Collins, who grew up in the Houston area, said she had little exposure to STEM careers as a child. She later earned a biomedical chemistry degree and a master’s in community development from Prairie View AM University, where she was first introduced to cosmetic chemistry. “I wanted to be a pharmacist so that I can create an organization to help serve underserved youth,” she said. “I stumbled on the industry really just formulating and creating out of necessity because I have a citrus allergy.” Kristen Wells‑Collins helping girls in a learning lab at a local school. That discovery, she said, changed her career path and ultimately inspired her to make science more accessible to girls who may not see themselves represented in the field. “We know that Black women spend nine times more on beauty products than any other demographic. And Black people only make up 8% of cosmetic chemists,” Wells‑Collins said. “From that number, about only 2% of them are Black women.” Through Black to the Lab, Wells‑Collins has worked with Dallas ISD, Duncanville ISD, and DeSoto ISD, along with local Girl Scout troops. The organization has reached more than 3,000 students so far and aims to serve 10,000 by the end of the year. Programs have also expanded into classrooms outside Texas. “For us, it was very important to meet the learners where they are in that school environment,” said Wells-Collins. “We ask students all the time when they come into our workshop, what did you use to get ready this morning? Because it is beyond beauty. Did you know that those were made by scientists?” The group’s mobile learning activations transform school spaces into temporary chemistry labs. Students use beakers, fragrance oils, and pigments to formulate their own products, then learn how those items connect to science and potential careers in STEM fields. “Just to see how they light up with just that first connection is what we’re always aiming for when we are trying to figure out where we want to reach learners,” said Wells‑Collins. She said the program also helps boost confidence, especially for girls who may not have considered science careers as an option. “They’re building that confidence muscle and learning something new in hopes that it will keep them inspired to see themselves represented in STEM beyond where they are,” she said. “We also have an opportunity to end our sessions where they can develop a pitch and tell us about their product, if they’re interested in selling their product or if they were to build a business around their product.” Later this week, Black to the Lab will host a special learning lab at a Dallas ISD campus in partnership with the Dallas Mavericks, bringing cosmetic chemistry lessons to even more young students. Wells‑Collins said the mission is not just about introducing girls to chemistry but showing them they can be creators in an industry where they are often underrepresented. “While we have a great time and we are inclusive of everyone and we know that all young girls enjoy our experience — the heart of what started this is really creating an opportunity to address that disparity, especially where you are seeing yourself as a consumer,” she said. “We want young girls to now also see themselves as producers as well.” For more information on Black to the Lab or how to bring a learning lab to your campus or organization, click here. ...read more read less