Explore federal funding opportunities available to you. Prior to enrolling in a college/technical program, you should complete your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form. Depending on your personal financial situation, you may qualify for federal Pell Grants, the Academic Competitiveness Grant, or the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant.
Contact the school you plan to attend and inquire about any program-specific grants, scholarships, or fellowships that may be available. The school's admissions office and/or department heads should be able to confirm the existence of any scholarships that you may be eligible for, as well as the application process.
Research any specialized grants that may be applicable to you. For example, many grant and scholarship programs are targeted to very specific groups of people, such as women, minorities, or those with a disability. One resource to start with is the website FastWeb (see Resouces).
Network with fellow make-up professionals through organizations like the Hair and Makeup Artist Network, the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) and the Cosmetology Educators of America (CEA). The AACS manages the ACE grant program for makeup artists looking to further their education.