Matt Stensland / Chalkbeat
When Suzanne Fitts studied cosmetology in high school three decades ago, it was the start of a successful career as a hairdresser. The flexible hours let her raise her two children and assist at her church while making enough money to help support her family, she said.
Now a cosmetology teacher at the Porter County Career & Technical Center in northwest Indiana, Fitts sees the program as a good chance for students to earn affordable qualifications while in high school.
“I’ve also seen kids that it ignited more of a passion within their heart for schooling and for something that they want to do in life,” Fitts said.