Fargo schools explore cosmetology and start firefighting pathway through Career Innovation Center

District leaders told the Board of Education they are exploring a cosmetology career-technical-education (CTE) offering and are close to launching a firefighting pathway next school year through the Career Innovation Center.

Administrators said they have met with SkillsCut Barber College and other local partners to discuss cosmetology programming and whether it should be a full pathway, a single course, or arranged through site visits and off-site experiences. The district said many students express interest in cosmetology but that the district is still defining scope and delivery.

Nut graf: The district reported progress on CTE options designed to meet student interest and local workforce needs; a firefighting pathway is planned next year with enrollment capacity and local emergency service partners backing the effort.

For the firefighting pathway, the district said it expects to offer roughly 15 slots next year through CCCTEC/Career Innovation Center partnerships, and that Fargo, West Fargo and several rural fire departments had expressed strong support for the program and its local workforce value. Administrators said the pathway will allow students from multiple districts to obtain certifications and be prepared to serve on local fire departments.

Board members did not take final action at the meeting; staff said they are continuing negotiations with partners and clarifying whether cosmetology will be a course, site-based experience, or full pathway.

Ending: Staff will return with program details, capacity, and any required agreements with partner schools and service providers.