WAHL PROFESSIONAL EXPANDS FADE IT FORWARD® SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

TO BARBER STUDENTS IN ST. LOUIS AND HOUSTON

THIS YEAR WAHL EXPANDED ITS ONE-OF-A-KIND PROGRAM TO HOUSTON, NOW PROVIDING BARBER SCHOOL STUDENTS IN FIVE UNDER-RESOURCED COMMUNITIES WITH HOLISTIC SUPPORT, INCLUDING BARBER COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS, LOCAL BARBER MENTORS, DEDICATED TUTORING TO PASS THEIR STATE LICENSING EXAMS AND MORE. WE SPOKE TO MICHAEL JOHNSON, ONE OF THE LUCKY STUDENTS TO RECEIVE THE SCHOLARSHIP THIS YEAR.

Wahl Professional, the leader in professional and home grooming electric hair clippers, trimmers, and shavers, recently held celebratory events in St. Louis and Houston, bringing together barber professionals, local leaders, and aspiring barbers. The purpose of these gatherings was to commemorate the awarding of Wahl’s Fade It Forward® scholarships to new barber students. The Wahl Fade It Forward® program is renowned as the most extensive philanthropic initiative in the barber industry. Its primary goal is to alleviate the financial burdens that hinder barber students from achieving their dreams of becoming professional barbers. Since its launch in 2018, The Wahl Fade It Forward® program has granted nearly $500,000 in scholarships and support to more than 30 barber students in Chicago, St. Louis, Cleveland, San Diego, and Houston.

This year marked the expansion of the Wahl Fade It Forward® program to Houston for the first time. Wahl Professional collaborated with Franklin Institute to award a scholarship to Jeremy Adams and joined forces with Texas Barber College to provide scholarships to Warren Duckworth and Ronald Shepherd. In St. Louis, Wahl Professional partnered with St. Charles Barber College to award Michael Johnson a Wahl Fade It Forward® scholarship. These new students are expected to complete their mentorship and graduate from barber college later this year.

We spoke to Michael about how the Wahl Fade It Forward® program has changed his life. Michael was drawn to barbering because of his love for people. He said: “I just love talking to people and building relationships, and I found barbering was the perfect fit for me.”

But achieving this dream was no easy feat for Michael. He explained: “I was working 60 hours a week and two jobs to save up for school, but it wasn’t enough. That’s where the scholarship came into play. I figured I might as well try for it, and I got it. It was like a dream come true.”

Julie Gustafson, Senior Manager of Global Marketing at Wahl Professional said: “Since 2018, Wahl Clipper Company has helped Michael, and nearly 30 other students, through our Fade It Forward® program. By eliminating the financial burden of tuition, and pairing scholarship recipients with barber mentors, we’re helping the next generation of professionals get a solid, debtfree start within the profession they love.”

Michael said: “I think the mentorship part of the scholarship is just as important because it shows you what it’s like to be a licensed barber. And you get to work one-on-one with a barber, to see how the typical day in the shop works, and how to run a shop, which you just can’t beat.”

Beyond providing scholarships for barber school, the Wahl Fade It Forward® program offers personalized tutoring to help students pass their state licensing exams. It also connects them with social services if needed. Additionally, the program offers one-on-one mentorships with local professional barbers, who are also community role models, to help students understand how to navigate the business world as a professional.

Leo D. Price, Sr., owner of St. Charles Barber College said: “The Wahl Fade It Forward Scholarship Program provides a very unique opportunity for students who are serious and passionate about the professional barber industry. It gives students the opportunity to build a strong foundation toward becoming a licensed barber – not just skill wise –but more importantly, how to deal with people.”

Finally, I asked Michael what goals he has for his career in barbering. He said: “I hope to continue to build a relationship with Wahl Professional and many other people throughout my career. I also want to be financially free and be able to take care of my family and friends. I want to make a positive difference in my community and become a trustworthy barber in my area. I will try to help any young and upcoming barbers in my community and in the Fade It Forward program, just like the Wahl community has done for me.”

As the program continues to expand its reach, Wahl Professional remains committed to making a lasting impact and fostering a brighter future for the next generation of barbers. More information can be found at www.wahlpro.com/fade-it-forward