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Cosmetology school founder asks Tunica supervisors for sponsorships to train underserved residents
Summary
At the March 30 Tunica County supervisors meeting, Tara Murray of Premier School of Cosmetology asked the board to consider funding sponsorship tiers to train underserved youth and adults through her nonprofit Girls Equipped for Womanhood; she outlined costs, accreditation status and a mentorship-centered model.
Tara Murray, owner of Premier School of Cosmetology and founder of the nonprofit Girls Equipped for Womanhood, asked the Tunica County Board of Supervisors on March 30 to consider county support for a workforce-development program to train underserved youth and adults in cosmetology and barbering.
Murray described the nonprofit’s mission as "to empower individuals who provide access to education, mentorship, and also career driven skills, development leading economic independence and personal growth," and said the school is pursuing accreditation through NACUS. She told the board she is at candidate (level 1) status and that NACUS requires multi-step standards before federal funding becomes available.
Murray presented three sponsorship tiers. Tier 1 was listed at $2,235 per student and the package she described includes a $100 application fee, a $500 first-month tuition payment, a cosmetology kit priced at $850, a $200 uniform and $285 for books (plus products and materials). Murray said the curriculum includes hands-on skills such as wig-making and hair-replacement techniques intended to help graduates find employment or start businesses.
A board member asked whether students could apply for existing financial aid or attend Delta Tech to receive assistance. Murray said some outside programs do not currently cover Tunica County and that her program emphasizes one-on-one mentorship and local access. "I'm more personal 1 on 1 with them, and encouraging them," she said, adding that she has worked in cosmetology education for more than 20 years and has had successful former students who now work nationally.
The board asked about success and retention; Murray said local retention has been "pretty good" and described letters from former students included in her packets. The board did not take an immediate funding vote; members agreed to "take the request down under considerations" for further review.
The presentation included materials describing the accreditation process, cost tiers and letters from former students. Murray left contact information and asked board staff to let her know who to follow up with as the county reviews the request.
