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MDHE - Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development
10/30/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/30/2026 13:23
COTY graduates earn professional certificates and build the skills to shape their future careers
The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) celebrated nine 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 excited to recognize these graduates for the dedication they brought to earning this professional certification," said Dr. Bennett Boggs, Commissioner of MDHEWD "Their hard work, growth, and determination is inspiring, and we're confident the training and hands-on experience they've gained will support them as they take the next steps in their careers."
During the program's eight-week classroom instruction, students learned 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.
"This graduating class stepped into the program eager to prepare for the next stage of their careers," said Julie Carter, Director of the Office of Workforce Development. "We're grateful for our employer partners and look forward to expanding this opportunity so even more young people across Missouri can benefit."
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/.
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 will be available on the MDHEWD Flickr page.
MDHE - Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development published this content on October 30, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 30, 2026 at 19:23 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]