Services: For students in 9th – 12th grade

Hello, my name is Tre'Merra Henderson, and I'm a senior at Annapolis High School. I participate in Ms. Toccara Bridgers' cosmetology minded program. This program began in November, and ever since I've begun going, Ms. Toccara has educated me a ton about the beauty business and connected me to a ton of great job opportunities. I am currently employed in a shop as a result of Ms. Toccara and I enrolling in this program. We learn a lot in this club as well as pros and cons of working in the cosmetology industry, discovering out how to achieve your aspiration of becoming a cosmologist, we also do hair, nails, and we even do facials in class. Every session, Ms. Tob carra has a different activity for us to do, and each activity includes a variety of tools that we can use to perform on one another that we each get to take home. These tools that we are rewarded with are really beneficial to my business because they are tools that I knew I needed for my business but didn't have the funding to afford the product. I'm glad that I was exposed to this program since it was undoubtedly an opportunity of a lifetime for me and my business. I am very excited to see where this program could help me get my business in the future.

My name is Savannah Holmes. I'm 14 years old and I attend Annapolis HighSchool. I joined Cosmetology Minded class because I enjoy cosmetics. This program has not only taught me a lot about cosmetics but also Increased my self love, confidence and self esteem. This class has been teaching me that I am way more than what people say I am. That I write my limits. I've been improving in skill and self management from joining this class. Not to mention it's very fun and interesting to learn new things everyday in every class. I really appreciate this class and my teacher Mrs. Tacara. Thank you for reading my letter

My daughter, Zaira, attends the Cosmetology Minded program led by Ms. Toccara Bridgers. Upon learning about the program, I immediately submitted Zaira’s application and spread the word about this awesome opportunity for our youth. For someone like my daughter, who is interested in and has a natural knack for hair, makeup, and nails (cosmetology), this program was a god send. Unfortunately, nothing like this exists at the high school and I have never seen an out-of-school apprenticeship program for cosmetology previously in our area. While there is a program at CAT-South, currently that program is highly competitive and very demanding. Cosmetology Minded meets twice a week for 3 hours, and at each session the students learn a new aspect of cosmetology and are provided with hands on experience. Zaira, even though she may be tired coming home from a long day at school, eagerly attends this program and is always so excited when she comes home- eager to share her knowledge with the rest of the family. In addition to the experience during class, the students also have items to bring home and homework assignments. Over winter break, we all received facials from Zaira using the products she received from the program. Not only is Cosmetology Minded a great fit for my own daughter, but I can only imagine the impact that it would have on children that love cosmetology but do not have the means or opportunity to participate in this type of program. Having something like this as an elective in middle/high school, or as a free of charge out-of-school opportunity for middle/high school students in the Annapolis cluster would be incredible.

Hi my name is Kalese Slade, i'm 15 years old, and I attend Annapolis High School. I've always wanted to know how to do my own hair and makeup and Cosmetology Minded has helped me grow my skills and expand my knowledge. I've learned new techniques, health tips, and social skills. Before the program, I didn't know much about hair care, or how to even find the right foundation for my skin but I now know it's about patience. This program has really help me grow as a person. I enjoy every bit of it. Thank you Cosmetology Minded!