Ponca City, OK—— Students from Pioneer Technology Center’s (PTC) Cosmetology Department recently demonstrated the transformative power of community partnerships through a meaningful collaboration with Blackwell Public Schools. As part of a SkillsUSA initiative, PTC students provided professional haircuts to Blackwell students, building connections and offering valuable services while gaining hands-on experience.
The project brought together aspiring cosmetology professionals and students from Blackwell schools in a dynamic exchange that fostered growth and positivity for all involved.
“This project was about building connections and creating opportunities for both sets of students to learn from each other,” said Kayla Randol, Cosmetology Instructor at Pioneer Tech. “It gave our students practical experience while providing a valuable service to the community.”
Students from Pioneer Technology Center’s (PTC) Cosmetology Department include: Kayla Randol (Instructor); Kylie Keller (Medford); Dani Hopkins (Newkirk); Jordyn Smith (Blackwell); Tylee Rivera (Ponca City); Carlee Mayfield; Antonia Lopez (Ponca City); Kayden Voegele (Newkirk); Alissa Horinek (Ponca City), Vanice Paschal (Tonkawa); and Kari Officer (Teacher Assistant), Piper Jones; Carma Roller; Alex Landero; Yosselyn Sandoval; Joana Navarro; and Scarlett Fisher (Ponca City).
In the first phase of the initiative, PTC welcomed 42 elementary students from Blackwell schools. Each visiting student received one to three haircuts from the cosmetology students, who in turn honed their technical skills and practiced professional client interaction.
The collaboration continued with a visit from 11 middle school students, followed by the distribution of 20 haircut vouchers for Blackwell high school students. These vouchers provided the opportunity for older students to experience salon-quality services at Pioneer Tech’s cosmetology department.
Jordyn Smith, a cosmetology student and active SkillsUSA member, reflected on the rewarding experience. “What made this so special was connecting with the students while practicing our haircutting skills,” she said. “Everyone walked away with something valuable—we gained experience, and they experienced professional salon services that help them feel their best.”
For many of the Blackwell students, this was their first experience in a salon environment. Beyond haircuts, the project introduced concepts of professional grooming and self-care in a welcoming and educational setting. The relaxed atmosphere naturally encouraged mentorship and connection between the cosmetology students and their younger guests.
“The program is about more than haircuts,” Randol emphasized. “It’s about teaching our students to be active community members who use their skills to build meaningful connections.”
This successful partnership underscores Pioneer Tech’s commitment to hands-on learning, leadership through SkillsUSA, and the value of community service. For more information about Pioneer Technology Center’s programs and services, call 580-762-8336 or visit their website www.pioneertech.edu.
