Students earn professional certificate through youth training program to boost career…

The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) celebrated eight Extended Hair Academy students for earning a professional certification during a graduation ceremony Friday afternoon in Columbia. The students completed this course as part of the Career Opportunity Training for Youth (COTY) program, which provides high school seniors and young adults up to age 24 with the opportunity to earn a professional certificate and gain valuable, work-ready skills and workplace experience.

"We are delighted to celebrate today's graduating class, and we are incredibly proud of the effort they put forth to earn this professional certification," said Dr. Bennett Boggs, Commissioner of the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. "These students showed commitment and perseverance, and we are confident that the work-specific training and experience this program provided will help them succeed as they begin their careers."

The program's eight-week classroom instruction began on September 8 where students spent time learning a variety of styling techniques, including braiding, hair extensions, and wig making. Earning this professional certificate will allow students the opportunity to obtain a business license and build a branding module. Graduates will now complete 120 hours of paid work experience with a partnering employer, with the goal of finding gainful, full-time employment.

"Since beginning this program, we have been thrilled to witness an eagerness to learn from students who want to succeed in their chosen career field, as well as a desire and commitment from employers that have joined the program," said Julie Carter, Director of the Office of Workforce Development. "We hope the program can continue to expand to help even more students across Missouri."

The COTY program is federally funded by MDHEWD to provide high school students in Mid-Missouri an opportunity to gain the skills and training they need to prepare for their future careers. For more information, visit cwdregion.com/coty/.

The next round of classes is expected to begin in 2026. Students and employers interested in the program can contact David "DJ" Johnson, Youth Career Coach, by email at [email protected].

Photos from the graduation ceremony are available on the MDHEWD Flickr page.