Candace Church said she has students coming to her on 90-degree days asking for something to cover their heads because they need a haircut.
“They don’t want to go to class and, and don’t want to be made fun of,” said Church, the youth services coordinator at Tates Creek Middle School.
So it was a “no-brainer,” Church said, when the nonprofit called Sharp Futures, which started in Jefferson County Public Schools about three years ago, wanted to launch the first program of its kind in Fayette County.
The program brings licensed barbers into schools to provide haircuts once a week, while also mentoring students in academics and life skills. At Tates Creek Middle School, the barber shop will operate on Mondays.
Participating barbers receive specialized training on working with students and will focus on personal development.
The program will include students who might struggle and who might not otherwise have a mentor in their life, Church said.
Tates Creek Middle School principal Kelly Sirginnis said it’s an opportunity for students to build relationships while increasing their self-esteem.