MADISON, Wis.— At LifeStyle Haircare in Madison, owner Harry Bernard takes his skills outside the shop and sharing them with students at Madison East.

 

What You Need To Know

  • Madison East High School's first-ever barbering program

  • Students are getting a real lesson on the ins and outs of the trade

  • Madison barber gives students a head start to barbering

 

"I want to give them an opportunity I wish that I had," Bernard said. 

Students are getting a real lesson on the ins and outs of the trade.

"It gives them a head start to barbering. They don't have to wait years down the line like I did to see if barbering is what they want to do.  They get to know now," Bernard said.

Bernard, 30, has been cutting hair for a decade. Yet he's only been a licensed barber since July. He also works as a special education assistant at Madison Metropolitan School District.

Starting a barbershop class was Bernard's idea and the district agreed it was a natural fit.

"It means that more African American students can start their own business," Bernard said.

Earlier this year the MMSD announced its Big Idea Initiative. Teachers, parents, and the community were asked to provide creative solutions that will positively impact students. This is one of the ways MMSD used federal funds from the second round of COVID-19 relief. 

Bernard is one of ten winners out of more than 300 submissions.