MHS students gain work experience in program

Because of the Communities in Schools Workforce Innovative and Opportunity Act program, 20 in-school scholars in need of work experience to gain job skills to further advance toward meeting their career goals were selected to participate in the program June 11-29.

Results By Connie Beauty Salon was afforded the opportunity to become a worksite for two scholars, Kiyana Quinn and Jaasiah Roddy, who are in the MHS Cosmetology program.  In addition to the cosmetology curriculum, the students were provided “hands-on” experience in an actual beauty salon environment.

The employees gained experience scheduling appointments, retail, assisting with prepping clients for their services and keeping the salon clean under TDLR (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations). Clients also requested braided styles. 

Both Kiyana and Jaasiah agreed that this opportunity taught them the importance of communication skills when interacting with clients and co-workers and exposure to what it takes to run a business. On a more serious note, they said, “Ms. Connie instilled in us that we are a walking billboard and it all ties in with work ethics.”  

The students were grateful for her strict ways yet teachable moments as she prepared them for the real world and the pay was great.

The owner and operators, Connie Massington and Monet Washington said, “We were considered blessed to have such willing and energetic talented workers to assist us. This program is great for the students to discover the career paths in which they would like to take once they have graduated. We are so grateful to CIS for this great opportunity, and we look forward to this experience again.”

Deborah Raphael is the Marlin High School CIS Site Coordinator (retiring) and Tony Austin is the CIS Career Coach.