Paso Robles Joint Unified School District will celebrate the completion of the new Bearcat Institute of Cosmetology at Paso Robles High School with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, September 18 at 1:30 p.m. The event is open to the public, with tours of the new facility immediately following the ceremony.

The purpose-built salon will serve PRHS’s newest Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway, which welcomed its inaugural cohort of 28 students this fall. Cosmetology expands an already thriving CTE program at Paso Robles High School, where students have access to 18 career pathways spanning agriculture, business, construction, engineering, education, health care, hospitality, digital media, information technology, automotive technology and more.

Paso Robles Joint Unified School District leads San Luis Obispo County in both the number of CTE programs offered and the percentage of students enrolled in CTE coursework. More than half of PRHS students participate in CTE, making career education a defining part of the Bearcat experience.

“This facility is an investment in our students’ futures,” said Superintendent Jennifer Loftus. “We are creating opportunities for Bearcats to graduate with professional skills, real-world experience and a clear pathway into a career before leaving high school. Just as importantly, programs like this help our younger students see the possibilities waiting for them at PRHS, and offer another reason to stay engaged in school as they begin imagining what their own future could look like.” 

Students in the three-year Cosmetology CTE pathway begin with foundational coursework before advancing into hands-on salon training. By the time the inaugural cohort graduates in 2029, students are expected to complete the 1,000 training hours required to qualify for the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology licensing exam, giving them the opportunity to enter the workforce as licensed professionals almost immediately after graduating from high school.

Designed as both a professional salon and instructional environment, the Bearcat Institute of Cosmetology includes styling and shampoo stations, manicure and pedicure stations, facial treatment stations, a reception area and professional equipment students will use as they progress through the program.

The pathway also offers a significant financial benefit. By completing cosmetology training as part of their high school education, students may avoid an estimated $25,000 in postsecondary tuition and materials costs.

Students will transition into the new facility for supervised hands-on training as they reach the appropriate stage of the program. Information about future public appointments and salon services will be shared as the inaugural cohort progresses.

Community members are invited to attend the ribbon cutting at 1:30 p.m. Friday, September 18, at Paso Robles High School, followed by tours of the Bearcat Institute of Cosmetology.

About Paso Robles Joint Unified School District 

Paso Robles Joint Unified School District serves approximately 6,200 students throughout northern San Luis Obispo County. Guided by its core values of integrity, accountability, collaboration, innovation, compassion, and belonging, PRJUSD is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where every student feels valued and empowered to discover their strengths, build resilience, and develop the knowledge, character, and confidence to thrive in their future.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Paso Robles Joint Unified School District

Melissa Godsey

Public Information Officer