Winburn Middle School in Lexington, Kentucky, has inaugurated an in-school barbershop that offers students weekly haircuts and mentorship. This initiative is part of the Sharp Futures Foundation program, aimed at instilling confidence in young men through personalized conversations with professional barbers.
Purpose of the In-School Barbershop
The barbershop serves as a supportive environment where students can feel valued and understood. C.J. Carter, the founder of the Sharp Futures Foundation, emphasized the importance of this safe space. “This is a space where these young men can come in and feel seen, they can feel valued and also feel supported,” Carter stated.
Therapeutic Atmosphere
Master Barber Vincent Davis provides haircuts once a week in a setting described as therapeutic. He believes that barbershops often function as peaceful spaces for reflection. “A lot of men themselves look at the barbershop as like a therapeutic place or a place of peace,” Davis noted. He hopes students will benefit similarly from this environment.
Impact on Academic Performance
Davis asserts that looking good positively impacts a student’s confidence and academic performance. A well-executed haircut can energize students, enabling them to approach their studies with greater self-assurance. “Look good, feel good, play good,” he argues, highlighting the connection between appearance and success.
Career Opportunities and Mentorship
The program also introduces students to entrepreneurial pursuits they may not have considered before. Carter pointed out that when young men receive quality mentorship along with their haircut, it can significantly influence future generations. “There’s nothing more satisfying than when the haircut is complete and you pass them the mirror, and you see them light up,” he added.
Expansion of the Program
This in-school barbershop at Winburn Middle School is the second of its kind in Lexington and the fourth across Kentucky. Tates Creek Middle School launched its barbershop last year, with another one set to open at Martin Luther King Jr. Academy in two weeks.
The initiative reaches beyond mere aesthetics, aiming to foster confidence, community, and potential among students. As the Sharp Futures Foundation continues to expand, it promises to enrich the lives of more young men throughout the region.
