Despite enhanced protocols to mitigate COVID-19, SCI Waymart continues to educate and teach inmates new skills—and now its Cosmetology School has another licensed cosmetologist.
Last week, a student successfully passed the state licensing exam. COVID-19 protocol required him to take the exam with a mask and gloves., which made the already rigorous exam even more of a challenge for the student who had not taken a computerized test in years. In order to take the exam, students must complete 1250 hours of theory and hand-on instruction. Additionally, students spend $125 of their own money for the application fee and other required paperwork.
When Principal Lipko asked the student whom he was going to share his success with, he said his 6-year-old son and other family members. The student enthusiastically told Lipko that his son was ecstatic for his dad to return home in less than a year and be able to cut his hair!
Cosmetology teacher Tami McCollum prepares her students for the licensing exam by giving them ample practice tests and study materials. The students in turn spend hours studying individually on their housing units. McCollum also has networked with a teacher from The Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County. She is a graduate of the school and an active member of its Cosmetology Occupational Advisory Committee. Prior to COVID-19, the teacher came and spoke to Waymart's students about current trends in the cosmetology field.
Waymart's administration is very supportive of vocational courses offered. Collaboration with administration, education and the inmates is producing students that are equipped to be successful reentrants.