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With seven other cosmetology-related schools in the Wichita area, the Eric Fisher Academy took a chance when it opened in 2007.
"It's actually worked out very well for us (being in Wichita)," said executive director Laurie Ford. "We got into the business at the perfect time. There was a lot of competition, and I think that the people were ready for a different type of education."
Students don't only learn how to style hair at the academy, located at 6727 W. Central, Ford said.
"We prepare them for what it is like being in the real world by learning how to provide good customer service, doing retail for their clients and more," Ford said.
"We offer career days, take students on salon and spa tours to see how they are run and operated, and teach them things like color theory, sanitation and cutting."
Eric Fisher Academy recently was given approval to provide financial aid to students through the Kansas Department of Education and has begun offering it to applicants.
Ford said the number of applicants for classes has largely increased since.
"It means that we can offer our education to a very diverse group of people and offer our quality education to everybody, not just those who could pay for it on their own," she said.
The Eric Fisher Academy became accredited in 2008.
"For so long we could only accept payment in full," Ford said. "We've done a lot of strategic planning and getting Department of Education fundraising, and now we can provide our educational tools to all kinds of people."
The class that received the first round of financial aid will begin on Tuesday. Aid is available for the cosmetology program, which lasts 42 weeks, and the esthetics program, which lasts 30 weeks.
The cosmetology program offers a wide variety of services to customers, including haircuts, colors, perms and nails.
The esthetics program teaches students about skin care, facials, makeup, waxing, hair removal and more.
"Students learn the basics of state board preparation, everything to prepare for their license, and how to do career planning," Ford said.
