High School Cosmetology Students Continue Learning Online
High school students enrolled in Erie 1 BOCES’ cosmetology program during the 2019-20 school year are getting an opportunity to continue to work virtually to obtain hours toward their New York State licensure requirements for free.
Director of Career & Technical Education Programs Anedda Trautman saw an immediate need that was impacting over 160 students enrolled in the cosmetology program as soon as schools were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These students would be deficient the required hours to sit for licensure exams.
“We cannot fail our students due to a situation beyond their control,” Trautman said.
Many programs require accumulation of hours for licensure. Trautman noted Erie 1 BOCES is working on plans for other programs to ensure student success.
The Career & Technical Education division created a continuation of virtual learning for students to obtain additional required hours for their cosmetology licensure. Participating students can obtain up to 70 hours. This opportunity allows them to view live demonstrations online, ask questions and work right along with the instructor, all from the safety of their home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These classes have never been held before, which is what makes them so unique,” cosmetology instructor Ana Fusco noted. “This is the first time we've held any type of online hours program for the cosmetology students in any capacity.”
Sessions being offered throughout the summer include state board review, skin, hair, and nails. All sessions run Monday to Thursday in the morning through mid-August.