A barber shop has opened in a Lexington middle school. The barbers hope to change lives.

Candace Church said she has students coming to her on 90-degree days asking for something to cover their heads because they need a haircut.

“They don’t want to go to class and, and don’t want to be made fun of,” said Church, the youth services coordinator at Tates Creek Middle School.

So it was a “no-brainer,” Church said, when the nonprofit called Sharp Futures, which started in Jefferson County Public Schools about three years ago, wanted to launch the first program of its kind in Fayette County.

The program brings licensed barbers into schools to provide haircuts once a week, while also mentoring students in academics and life skills. At Tates Creek Middle School, the barber shop will operate on Mondays.

Participating barbers receive specialized training on working with students and will focus on personal development.

The program will include students who might struggle and who might not otherwise have a mentor in their life, Church said.

Tates Creek Middle School principal Kelly Sirginnis said it’s an opportunity for students to build relationships while increasing their self-esteem.

“The world is changing. Our kids are changing. But schools aren’t changing. This is a step that Tates Creek (Middle) is taking to be more responsive to the needs of our students that speaks to their backgrounds and their experiences,” Sirginnis said.

Seventh-grader Eli Hamilton said, “I didn’t think I was going to get a haircut at school. That’s a first-time opportunity.”

One of the barbers, Nicolas Petit Frere, said he is also a Fayette County Public Schools bus monitor and is training to become a driver.

Sharp Futures, under executive director C.J. Carter, supports young men through mentorship, mental health resources, and professional grooming services provided in a school-based barbershop environment.

In addition to haircuts, male and ultimately female students will get grooming sessions, regular mentorship meetings, workshops and guest speakers to inspire and educate students.

There will be collaboration with school counselors to provide mental health resources and referrals addressing coping strategies.

Carter said students will be encouraged to remain in good standing with academics and attendance and have their family’s permission in order to participate in the program.

“We empower young men by offering this skills support system as well as opportunities,” said Carter. “We will be offering some social-emotional instruction.”

“One of the things I think that this will do is empower our students to feel confident about their appearance,” said Cierra Spaulding, FCPS District Family and Community Liaison.

She also thinks it will encourage them to see what’s possible for their future.

“Maybe we end up with future barbers someday who are inspired by the career path,” said Spaulding. “I think it also shows the power of community and how everybody can come together for the good of students.”