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Emeryville after-school staff outline expansion, workforce-linked 'Hair Journey' pilot
Summary
Kristen, an ECCL youth services staff member, told the joint ECCL governance committee on Nov. 6 that roughly 200 students currently participate in weekly after-school programs and that staff plan a new 'Hair Journey' pilot to teach hair-care skills and create pathways for high-school students to earn money.
Kristen, a member of the ECCL youth services staff, described the after-school division's programs and events at the Nov. 6 joint ECCL governance meeting, noting partnerships with local organizations and plans to expand skill-building and civic-engagement opportunities.
Kristen said roughly 200 students currently participate in weekly after-school programming and that about 230 Emery students receive free programming through partnerships such as the YMCA. She described summer and public-camp participation, recurring activities (homework, enrichment, rec buddies, Spirit of Rec Assembly) and special initiatives including Spartans Helping Seniors (which grew from two student volunteers to 15 this year), a family STEM night, a tax-preparation fair to help students complete FAFSA, and a literacy luau for AAPI Month.
Staff introduced a new pilot called "Hair Journey," a combined parent-and-youth offering to teach basic hair care, braiding and styling techniques. Kristen said the program includes a high-school component for students to learn techniques that could lead to paid work: "the ultimate goal is also hairdresser license, and get them if they're interested to talk to a professional in it." Committee members asked whether products or chemicals would be used and whether providers are certified; staff said the pilot would not include bleaching or perms, that products might be provided by families, and agreed a liability waiver would be appropriate.
Members suggested partnerships with local adoptee-support groups, a nearby barbershop, and vocational partners; a community member offered a local barber who could provide assistance. Staff said they hope to partner with Cal State East Bay and the district wellness team for social-emotional supports and to add a garden instructor to ECCL programming.
Next steps: staff will refine the Hair Journey pilot curriculum, prepare a liability-waiver approach for products, and pursue community and vocational partners. They will report program metrics and any staffing or budget needs in future reports.
