Fort Worth ISD News

Students who are interested in pursuing cosmetology after graduation face the price tag that comes with the programs at colleges. Besides the cost of tuition, they have to find a way to pay for all their materials, license fees, licensing exam fees, and more.

But Fort Worth ISD has the perfect solution — the Cosmetology Program at Dunbar High School as part of the Choices programming. 

By electing to participate in the four-year program, students can save thousands of dollars. The classes are free and the district covers the costs of materials and tests. With all the hours students accumulate over four years, they are ready for the workforce upon graduation.

That’s one perk that’s helping junior Terischai Bruner achieve a dream she’s wanted for a while. She’s known for years she wanted to pursue something in Cosmetology, but the cost burden weighed on her. Now, she can work towards her goal for free.

The program touches on all kinds of skills and subjects. Aside from skin, hair, and nails, the students learn topics like infection control, licensing regulation, and more. Cosmetologists have to use Chemistry often, because they have to learn how different chemicals will react with the skin, scalp, and hair. They also have to learn safe disinfectant and sanitation. 

All of these are skills Terischai learned and is practicing. Recently, she practiced coloring hair with highlights. She also enjoys working on nail art. 

Freshman year is more focused on infection control, licensing and regulation. Students will learn how to do patch tests, skin tests, and the district purchases each student a mannequin to do the testing.

By the end of junior year, they’ve completed all the modules and senior year is focused on the review and getting ready for the written exam and practicum.

In addition to all the learning, the class provides fun in the school day. The students get to practice on mannequins and then on each other. As the students get more experienced, the community can come get services from students while the instructor oversees. 

Even if students don’t pursue cosmetology as a career, they can use their skills to help pay for college. It’s a great way for them to make money on their own schedule. Terischai still plans on attending college with, hopefully, her Cosmetology license. 

Between the skills, savings, and learning business and entrepreneurship, the Cosmetology program is a unique, fun, rewarding program for students in Fort Worth ISD to enroll in. 

“It makes me feel like I’m accomplishing something at my young age,” Terischai said. “It makes me stress free.”