Dozens of aspiring cosmetologists are spending their summer at Capital Region BOCES honing their skills and preparing for their futures.

More than 100 students—all rising seniors—are taking part in a summer Cosmetology program at the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center campuses in Schoharie and Albany.

The program started June 29 and runs through July 27. Students spend 125 hours at the campuses earning the hours they need to graduate next June and take the state licensing exam. 

“It’s not so bad. We are learning a lot, so that’s good,” said Kushaala Start, who attends BOCES from Bethlehem.

Schoharie rising senior Lyla Shaw echoed a similar sentiment.

“I was skeptical at first about coming here over the summer, but it is actually fun and we are learning new skills that will help us in the future,” said Shaw.

While students will be busy practicing and learning skills, there will also be a multitude of experts who will share their skills and knowledge.

Among those scheduled to visit one or both campuses are representatives of Choices Hair Studio, Grit + Grace Salon and Boutique, One Oak Salon and Brooke Ross of Rooted Hair Co. Others scheduled to work with students this summer are Jene Sena, who is from Channel 13 News and will discuss her personal journey as a woman entrepreneur, and Barb Olsen, who is from Community Bank and will discuss personal finances. 

Prior year’s graduates often ranked the summer session as the most enjoyable memory of school.

“My favorite time at CTE would have to be the summer program. These mandatory days during the summer were both fun and educational,” said Class of 2015 graduate Samantha Flavell of Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School District.

Class of 2023 graduate Haley Boniecki, who attended the program from the Scotia-Glenville Central School District, also spoke about the benefits of summer learning.

“I did’t mind it at all,” she said. “I could focus more on my learning than I did during the school year,  and we got to do more hands-on work.”