After-school barbering program prepares high school students for future opportunities
The Master Craft Barbering Program, now in its first year, meets twice a week at the High School of World Cultures on the James Monroe Campus.
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A group of Bronx high school students are learning more than how to cut hair through an after-school barbering program designed to teach practical skills, build confidence and create career opportunities.
The Master Craft Barbering Program, now in its first year, meets twice a week at the High School of World Cultures on the James Monroe Campus. About a dozen students participate in the program, where they learn barbering techniques while developing communication and customer service skills.
For 12th grader Jonathan Ballesteros, the program is less about a future career and more about gaining a useful life skill.
"I plan on cutting my brother's hair," Ballesteros said. "Right now my mom is cutting his hair and she's not doing it right."
Ballesteros, who moved to the United States from Honduras, said the program has also helped him build friendships and connect with classmates.
"I knew none of these people before, but now I'm making connections," he said.
Many of the students in the program are English language learners. School officials say the hands-on environment encourages them to practice communication skills while working closely with their peers.
Instructor Marino De La Cruz, a professional barber, said many students arrived with little to no experience and lacked confidence when they first picked up a pair of clippers.
"They were nervous, shaking," De La Cruz said.
Since then, he has seen significant improvement in both their technical abilities and self-confidence.
De La Cruz said barbering involves much more than cutting hair. Students are also learning how to build relationships with clients and provide professional customer service.
"It's not just picking up the clippers and cutting hair," he said. "It's about building a relationship with the client, getting to know them and their lifestyle."
Some students may also have the opportunity to intern at De La Cruz's barbershop, where they can gain experience in business operations and client management.
Following the program's success, school leaders plan to continue it next school year and hope to attract more female students. They are also exploring the possibility of introducing additional trade programs to provide students with more career-ready opportunities.
