Cosmetology program popular for BOCES
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HUDSON FALLS -- On a sunny fall day, a group of mostly female students entered a classroom, grabbed their cutting kits and mannequin "heads," and took their places behind a row of chairs.
With a few simple instructions, they went to work, snipping and twisting hair with careful precision.
For many, the cosmetology program at the Southern Adirondack Educational Center represents a fun elective, a new set of skills, or even a career path.
The program is one of many offered through the area Board of Cooperative Educational Services, or BOCES. Cosmetology students attend either a morning or afternoon session, with the rest of their day spent at one of the dozen or so districts they call home.
"I was a little bored with school, so when the school gave us a list of BOCES courses, I just tried it," said Chelsea Fox, a senior at Glens Falls High School. "But now I love it more than I ever thought I would."
Fox said she plans to become a veterinary technician, and she believes the cosmetology skills will help get her through college financially.
Cosmetology is a popular program that always reaches its quota, according to BOCES spokeswoman Jillian DeGregorio. This year’s class has more than 30 students for the morning and afternoon sessions, with the majority being female.
"We always have a few boys each year," said Brene Choppa, owner of Total Eclips salon in Glens Falls and who, along with Kerri Bruno, team-teaches the course.
"They are interested mostly in becoming barbers, but we teach them everything, because that’s part of the program."
The program includes 960 hours over two years and covers a variety of topics, from hair-cutting and coloring, to nail and skin care, to business practices.
Students train for the for the two-part state cosmetology licensing exam, which they are eligible to take after 1,000 hours of instruction. Students get the remaining hours needed for the exam by attending an optional, three-week program over the summer that focuses primarily on nail care and spa techniques.
"We teach them everything they would need to get their license, and then they can also see if they would like to further their education to become an aesthetician or a massage therapist," Choppa said.
Students who enter the program in their junior year spend the majority of the first year learning the basics from textbooks. Those who stay on for the second year receive a more hands-on learning experience.
"By their second year, they can tell if they want to be behind the chair or into something else," Choppa said.
On Fridays, the classroom turns into a day spa, and students get to practice their new techniques on actual clients, from community members to students in other BOCES programs. Bruno said that most clients come in for manicures and pedicures.
"We are in the process of creating the brochure right now, but the prices are much lower than you would see in a salon," she said.
The day spa is so popular, in fact, that students often can’t accommodate all the appointments. As a result, the program is considering adding Wednesdays as an additional spa day.
Alums of the cosmetology program are prepared for not only the exam, but for careers as well, said Choppa and Bruno.
Both women are alums of the program and run their own businesses. Choppa recently hired Rachel Hunt, another BOCES graduate, at Total Eclips.
"(The program) gives you options to what else is out there, and even the possibility of owning your own business," Hunt said in a phone interview.
Kirsten Golden, a senior from Hartford, agreed.
"I just thought it would be a back-up plan to get through college, but now I really enjoy it. I think it could be a career for me," she said. "I am so glad I chose it. [What was meant to be a hobby] has turned into my life."
Posted in Local on Sunday, November 29, 2009 7:50 pm Updated: 10:48 am. | Tags: Boces, Cosmetology
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