DECEMBER 2, 2015
ACTC Cosmetology Students Learn By Doing
‘Learn by doing’ could be the motto for the Cosmetology Program at Ashland Community and Technical College and “get a career in what you really like to do” could be the mantra for the students.
“I love it,” says Chanel Prince-Kitchen, a Master Cosmetologist at Ashley’s Salon and Boutique in Grayson. “I don’t feel like I’m working when I’m in the salon because this is always what I wanted to do.” A 2012 East Carter High School graduate, Chanel graduated from the Cosmetology program last December. “When I started work, I felt prepared because we had covered everything in class.”
Hands-on Cosmetology training takes place in a real beauty salon that offers a full range of hair and nail services. Salon skills include permanents, manicures and pedicures, facials and scalp treatments as well as hair cutting, styling and coloring.
In order to give students experience in working with clients, the salon offers free haircuts to the active military personnel, veterans and all ACTC students throughout the year. Free haircuts are also given at scheduled time to groups such as Boyd County special needs students, Pathways clients, Ashland Area Housing authority residents, and Adult Education job readiness class students.
Students also get experience styling wigs through the Stepping Stones program that provides free wigs and wig maintenance to women suffering hair loss from chemotherapy or other serious conditions.
“These practical experiences gives students the chance to develop the people skills that are important when working with clients,” said Belinda Bradley, ACTC Associate Professor and Cosmetology Program Coordinator.
Academic classes and salon experiences are supplemented by visits from local salon personnel and technical product classes from major cosmetology companies. Salon management is also covered in class, providing basic knowledge for students who might want to manage or own a salon in the future.
Student Hannah M. Sexton would eventually like to open her own salon. Until then, the Lawrence County resident and 2014 Boyd County High School graduate plans on getting a certificate and working in a local salon.
“I like ACTC because it’s close to home and has small class sizes which give you more one-on-one time with the instructors,” Sexton said. “They have many different fields and degrees and so much to offer here.”
In addition to attending classes, Cosmetology students participate in a variety of activities, such as service projects, food and hygiene product drives and the annual Halloween costume and Christmas Tree contests.
The Cosmetology Program offers a cosmetologist diploma and cosmetologist certificate. Both provide the 1800 instructional hours required by the State Board, but the diploma program includes additional computer and general education courses.
Graduates can find job opportunities in salons, spa’s, wig salons and supply companies, beauty supply companies, beauty schools, funeral homes and nursing homes.
Graduates also have the opportunity to become teachers. Kasey N. Mulkeil, a Garrison resident and Lewis County High School graduate, wants to work in a salon with a diverse clientele and then go on to for the apprentice cosmetology instructor certificate.
For more information about the Cosmetology Program, contact Professor Bradley at 606.326.2460 or email: Belinda.bradley@kctcs.edu.
The Cosmetology Building is located off Oakview Road on the College Drive Campus. The salon is open to the public Monday through Thursday during the spring and fall semesters. Patrons can call the Reception Desk at 606.326.0565 for an appointment, and walk-ins are welcome. The Salon will be closed December 8 through January 18 for the semester break.
How to Take Spring ACTC Classes
The application deadline for Spring Semester classes at ACTC is December 28. Application forms are available on the web at ashland.kctcs.edu and may be submitted online. Applicants will also need to submit an official copy of their high school transcript or GED, transcripts from other colleges or universities attended, and ACT score if available.
For help with admissions or more information, contact the ACTC Admissions Office, 606.326.2000. Spring classes start January 11.
Financial aid for spring is available to students who qualify, and many ACTC students qualify. The “Free Application for Federal Student Aid” (FAFSA) is the only form required for most federal and state aid programs. The FAFSA can be submitted electronically through the web site at fafsa.gov. For more information on financial aid options at ACTC or help with the FAFSA, call 855.246.2282.
