The New Castle Career Center’s Cosmetology Program is doing more than preparing future stylists; it’s quietly becoming one of the community’s most meaningful service resources. Cosmetology Program Director and Teacher Erica Robinson shared: “We are excited to spread the word about our cosmetology program. We feel like one of New Castle's best-kept secrets as a hair resource for our community.”
Today, the Cosmetology students’ work is reaching far beyond the classroom and salon.
Serving Senior Residents Through Nail Care
One of the program’s most impactful community partnerships is with Forest Ridge and Raintree Square, where students provide nail care services for residents in retirement communities. The students offer manicures and pedicures, providing valuable hands-on experience toward state licensure.
“We partner with Forest Ridge and Raintree Square to provide nail care for the residents. These are services that are often hard for the residents to do themselves,” Ms. Robinson shares. “It allows our students to gain experience that goes towards their requirements for their state licensure, and it helps the residents look and feel their best.”
Both first- and second-year students participate. Seniors usually visit Forest Ridge based on scheduling needs, while at Raintree Square, juniors and seniors take turns visiting twice a month.
Reaching the Community
The cosmetology program operates across Henry County, offering free services at school events, festivals, and community gatherings. Robinson and her students actively seek out ways to serve others.
“We try to be in the community as much as possible and participate in as many community events that we are asked to be a part of,” she said.
Their services include:
Free haircuts at the Henry County Back to School event
Hair tinsel applications for Riley and Westwood fall festivals
Hair tinsel at New Castle High School’s Christmas Market and FamJam
Free haircuts for Teacher Appreciation Week at Tri High School
Free haircuts and styles for all students and staff at New Castle Schools
Additional free trims and services at various community events throughout the year
Why This Service Project Matters
The idea for visits to retirement communities began with a goal of keeping students productive while earning the real-world hours needed for state licensure. But it evolved into much more.
“We were looking for ways for students to gain experience and still stay productive with the hands-on mark-offs they need to obtain their license,” Ms. Robinson said. “We also wanted them to learn how to talk with clients and people that they were not normally used to talking to.”
Communication and relationship-building are vital skills in the beauty industry. This partnership provides students with the chance to practice both. It also demonstrates that building strong community connections and networking are important aspects of the industry.
Residents also benefit from the social interaction and care - they love these visits. Many share wisdom and life lessons, and students are consistently surprised by how fascinating their stories are. One recent example comes from Cynthia Richardson, a senior in the program, who spent time with a resident named Linda. Cynthia learned that Linda went to college, met her husband there, and that they both served in the medical field - he as an Army medic and she as a nurse for many years. Linda told Cynthia how much she enjoyed college.
Students also share their own world with the residents, like new trends, phrases, and everyday teenage life. “They think it's fun to teach the residents new things,” Robinson said. “The students often swap stories about what they have heard and learned from the residents with each other when we return to the school.”
Resources for Everyone
The Cosmetology Program’s salon is also open to the public, providing a full range of services at affordable prices. Appointments can be scheduled through the program’s Facebook page, Instagram (@nccc_the_salon), or by calling the school at 765-593-6680. Community members interested in partnering with the program for events can contact Erica Robinson at erobinson@ncweb.me.