A cut above the rest

The Victor Valley Union High School District is committed to ensuring that every student is prepared for a happy and prosperous future. To achieve this goal, VVUHSD’s Career Technical Education programs offer innovative and creative opportunities for students ready to enter the workforce. Among our many programs, the recently introduced Barbering Pathway at Adelanto High School exemplifies VVUHSD’s commitment to fostering student success through innovative and student-driven education.

Evolving education to meet modern needs A cornerstone of CTE has long been preparing students for careers with livable wages directly after high school. Today, VVUHSD’s CTE programs emphasize free training opportunities for high school students, equipping them for college and careers. At VVUHSD, students have an array of options from 11 industry sectors and 17 career-focused pathways, including the new Barbering Pathway.

The districtwide mission aims to remove barriers, ensuring all students have multiple choices after high school — whether it be attending a University of California or California State University campus, enrolling in a community college, pursuing trade school, enlisting in the military or joining the workforce. Our CTE pathways link academic curriculum with local labor market needs by offering students options. Our district’s CTE mission is for all CTE completers to walk across the graduation stage with two pieces of paper: a high school diploma and an industry certification. This dual credential ensures students are fully equipped to navigate their chosen paths.

Our students want choices. They are more influenced and exposed to multiple career opportunities than ever, defined as choice overload. Students want to practice and put into action what they watch on social media and the Internet from TikTok and YouTube; influencers make skilled jobs look easy and then encourage our students to learn those “easy” skills. It’s wonderful for our students to be motivated and it’s our responsibility to build on this momentum and provide opportunities to prepare our students with the knowledge and skills needed to be workplace ready.

Addressing ‘choice overload’ In today’s digital age, students are inundated with career options and exposure to countless professions through social media and the internet. This “choice overload” makes it essential for educational institutions to offer guided, hands-on experiences that align with students’ interests. VVUHSD’s unwavering focus on listening to students and tailoring programs to their preferences ensures that every pathway resonates with their aspirations and prepares them for real-world success. Caution is needed; students’ interests can change from year to year, and while our student’s voices are powerful, considering the labor market outlook for future employability data is also essential.

The power of student voice The creation of the Barbering Pathway at Adelanto High School stemmed directly from student input. A districtwide survey revealed a strong interest in cosmetology, further evidenced by the popularity of an after-school Cosmetology Club. Students’ enthusiasm for practicing hair, nail and makeup skills in a makeshift space behind the auto shop highlighted the need for a formal program. This grassroots effort energized school leaders to take action.

The district’s commitment to listening to students and tailoring programs to their preferences is evident. While initial plans focused on cosmetology, logistical challenges led to a strategic pivot toward barbering.

A strategic pivot The district initially planned to launch a Cosmetology Pathway. However, the space and equipment requirements for cosmetology proved challenging. For instance, cosmetology requires more shampoo bowls, mannequins and specialized equipment than barbering. Ultimately, this led to a pivot toward barbering, which required fewer resources while meeting student interest. The VVUSHD CTE department incorporated the shift to barbering, which involved updating the curriculum to align with barbering industry standards, aligning with the “Milady Standard Barbering 6th Edition” textbook, and meeting state licensing requirements and health and safety standards. The new barbering course received board approval in July 2024, paving the way for the program’s official launch on the first day of school in the fall.

Engaging key stakeholders Developing the Barbering Pathway involved collaboration among stakeholders, including school leaders, district administrators, parents and students. The process also involved securing buy-in from the school board. Adelanto High School’s principal played a pivotal role by dedicating resources such as two classrooms, site funds and a full-time teacher to the program. This commitment extended to implementing a block schedule, allowing students to earn hours towards their industry certification — the barbering license — in the two-year CTE pathway.

Research and collaboration District CTE leaders were instrumental in bringing the program to life. Extensive research included visits to neighboring schools and our local community college with similar barbering and cosmetology programs. These visits provided valuable insights into facility design, curriculum development and equipment needs. Learning from others’ experiences helped us avoid potential pitfalls and ensured a smooth implementation process.

One critical takeaway was the importance of addressing unseen details. For example, the program required a large-capacity water heater to support simultaneous use of all shampoo stations and adequate electrical systems for high-voltage equipment like blow dryers. These details, though minor, were crucial to the program’s success. When leaders provide honest, collaborative feedback they help others avoid potential pitfalls that they experienced.

Facility design and construction The Barbering Program’s facilities underwent extensive renovations to meet state licensing requirements. Maintenance and Operations teams installed nonabsorbent flooring, upgraded electrical systems and reconfigured plumbing to accommodate wash stations, handwashing stations and other necessary equipment. M&O transformed two rooms, one into a theory classroom and the second into a large hands-on simulated work-based learning lab — the Barber Shop — meeting the state’s 3,000-square-foot minimum requirement for barbering/cosmetology schools.

Licensing and approvals As mentioned above, our district CTE mission is for CTE completers to graduate with an industry certification. Our facility needed state board approval so our students could work on their required 1,000 hours toward their barbering license. Securing state approval for the Barbering Program was a complex process. District CTE leadership navigated bureaucratic hurdles, including identifying and obtaining the correct “Application for Barbering School Approval” form.

Persistence paid off — after months of emails, phone calls and being redirected from one state representative to another, we finally connected with the right person, and the application process moved smoothly. We expedited the application, inspection, and final state licensing process, enabling the program to begin — eight months from start to finish.

Hiring the right teacher The success of any CTE program depends on a qualified, passionate teacher. VVUHSD’s hiring process attracted highly qualified candidates with industry and educational experience. The chosen candidate quickly began volunteering at the school and connecting with students through the after-school Cosmetology (now Barbering) Club. Before the teacher was officially onboarded and the program was officially launched, this proactive approach allowed the teacher to build a strong foundation with students, fostering enthusiasm and engagement.

District goals and sustainability The district leverages CTE grants and builds partnerships with local businesses to ensure the pathway’s sustainability. The program’s student-led enterprise, Saint’s Fades, also offers opportunities for real-world experience while generating revenue to support future needs.

VVUHSD’s CTE programs align with the district’s mission to prepare students for postsecondary success. What are the requirements for getting a barbering license? A student must be at least 17 years of age, have completed at least 10th grade or its equivalent, complete 1,000 hours in an approved barber training program and pass the written barber exam. The district supports students by providing an approved barber training program, a block schedule to complete the 1,000 hours and a qualified teacher to prepare them for the barber exam.

There is a waiting list of students eager to join the program, but the block schedule limits available seats. To apply for the barbering program, students must be on track to graduate, meet the district’s A-G requirements and commit to working extra hours. The program has had a transformative impact, motivating students to improve their attendance, behavior and academic performance. This dedication and passing the state exam prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce. The prospect of earning a career-ready certification inspires students to stay focused and strive for success.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony On Nov. 13, 2024, Adelanto High School celebrated the grand opening of its Barbering Pathway with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Students showcased their skills and shared their experiences with district leaders, board members and the community. The event’s highlight was when a passionate student with only a few weeks of training gave our district Superintendent Carl Coles a haircut — a moment that captured the program’s short-term success, sustained success, and student impact.

Conclusion VVUHSD’s commitment to innovation and student-centered decision-making is evident in its CTE programs. By listening to student voices, collaborating with stakeholders and overcoming challenges, the district has created a Barbering Pathway that prepares students for bright futures. As the program grows, it serves as a model for other districts seeking to provide meaningful, career-ready education. Through initiatives like this, VVUHSD ensures every student has the skills and opportunities to succeed in life and work.

Kellie Williams, Ed.D., is the CTE coordinator for Victor Valley Union High School District.