For the City Times

Mid-State Technical College Cosmetology students enjoyed the chance to be the instructors this week when they provided life skills training to students in the Aspirus Riverview Project SEARCH High School Transition Program.

During the March 7 visit to the College’s on-campus salon in Wisconsin Rapids, Cosmetology students provided hair, manicure and pedicure services to their Project SEARCH guests while emphasizing the importance of daily grooming skills.

Project SEARCH is a unique internship program that provides real-life work experience to help youth with significant disabilities learn work and life skills to make successful transitions from school to adult life and gain obtain employment.

“Our interns are now in the third and final stage of the program, just prior to the job search,” explained Project SEARCH Instructor Stefanie Tryba. “It’s great to have access to Mid-State’s salon environment to give our interns the practice they need in a real-world setting. Experiences like this help them build the confidence and self-advocacy skills they need to be successful in the workforce.”

“The interaction among students and staff through Project SEARCH is an opportunity for us to celebrate and live our mission,” said Missy Skurzewski-Servant, dean of Business & Education programs. ” — transforming lives through the power of teaching and learning—and do so together.”

To learn more about the Cosmetology program at Mid-State, visit www.mstc.edu/programs/cosmetology or contact Missy Skurzewski-Servant at missy.skurzewskiservant@mstc.edu.

The Salon@MidState is open to the public on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays and offers a variety of beauty and hair care services, including cuts, color, manicures, pedicures and facials. To schedule an appointment call 715-422-5531.