It’s Not Too Late to Apply for PBA’s Beacon Student Program

Students, you still have time to apply for Professional Beauty Association’s (PBA) Beacon Program for 2026! Below, we are addressing some FAQs about the student program and how you can apply!

What is Beacon?

PBA’s Beacon is an elite program that provides top beauty industry students with a unique opportunity to gain career insights from leading beauty influencers, and network with owners from the most prestigious salons across the United States.

Beacon is held at Premiere Orlando in Orlando, FL on May 29-31, 2026.

Who is eligible to apply?

Cosmetology/hairstyling, barber, esthetics, nail and massage students who are enrolled in an accredited program or an authorized apprenticeship program as of January 1, 2025 can apply.

Recent graduates are eligible to apply as long as they were still enrolled between January 1, 2025 and January 16, 2026.

Previous Beacon participants are not eligible to reapply.

What do I need to apply?

To apply for Beacon, you need:

1. Video Introduction
2. Resume or Digital Portfolio
3. Letter of Recommendation
4. Your Social Media Account links
5. Your application fee (Price of Application: PBA Member $30 | Regular $60)

Where can I apply?

You can visit the Beacon Student Program page on the Professional Beauty Association’s website to apply.

When is the application deadline?

The deadline to apply is January 16. Don’t delay!

When will the Beacon 2026 Class be announced?

The 2026 Beacon class will be announced on February 18.

Does it cost anything to participate in Beacon?

The application fee is $30 for PBA Student Members and $60 for Non-Members and is non-refundable. This does not include a PBA Membership, but if you are accepted into Beacon, you will automatically receive one.

Upon acceptance, students are required to pay a $199 non-refundable tuition fee, which covers all official Beacon programming.

Travels, hotels, and meals are not included in the cost of the Beacon program and varies by location and preference.

Other questions?

For other questions, you can contact programs@probeauty.org.