Metro Tech, OKCPS Celebrate Grand Opening of Cosmetology Classroom at Frederick Douglass High School

On Wednesday afternoon, September 27th, Metro Technology Centers and Oklahoma City Public Schools held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for alumni and community members to visit the newly constructed Cosmetology classroom on the campus of Frederick Douglass High School. This momentous event marked the return of the program that was a point of pride for the Douglass community before the new campus was built in 2006.

Constructed by Durante Construction and designed by Salon Equipment of Oklahoma and Renaissance Architects, the 8,100 sq. ft. building contains a classroom, a teacher's office and a lab space with 20 styling stations.

Renee Mack-Mitchell, a Metro Tech Alumna and Cosmetology teacher with 20 years of experience, is leading the extension program at Douglass and said the opportunity to expand the program to a separate campus is integral in supporting alternative options for students.

"Not every student wants to go to college right after graduation," Mack-Mitchell said. "Incorporating Metro Tech programs into the schools increases the visibility of options for high school students looking to go straight into the workforce."

The Cosmetology program at Metro Tech receives approximately 400 high school applications each year, making it the top-grossing program for the District. Metro Tech also offers evening Cosmetology and Barbering programs for adults.

With the District's increasing desire for cosmetology education, OKCPS and Superintendent Dr. Sean McDaniel were eager to partner with Metro Tech to build a classroom on the campus of Douglass High School.

"OKCPS is excited to partner with Metro Tech to bring back one of our district's most impactful programs," Dr. McDaniel said. "While our students are learning and practicing the latest, most innovative methods in cosmetology, the history and legacy of the Douglass program will undoubtedly live on inside these walls."

Classes within the new space began August 7th, and a total of 35 students comprised of juniors and seniors from various OKCPS high schools are enrolled. The course curriculum specifically prepares students to become licensed cosmetologists who provide nail, skin, scalp and hair care. In the past 6 years, approximately 93% of students who graduated from the high school Cosmetology program at Metro Tech joined the military, were employed, or continued their education.

"The opportunity to partner with Douglass High School and OKCPS to offer a state-of-the-art Cosmetology classroom on their campus is an investment in the future of our students," Metro Tech Superintendent Aaron Collins said. "By preparing our youth for the workforce, we're preparing the next generation to make an impactful difference in their communities."