"Michigan requires a license to work in 175 occupations — from barbers to auto mechanics. These restrictions affect more than one million workers, or about one in five members of the state’s workforce. Many of these license requirements defy logic and common sense. Barbers in Michigan need more training hours than airline pilots need for their federal license."
Tiff Massey and Gov. Whitmer at DIA
Detroit News: The Black hair industry imports products from China. Here's what tariffs mean for braids and wigs Charlotte Kramon Associated Press/Report For America
MLIVE: This great-grandpa has cut four generations of hair in his West Michigan barber shop
Detroit Extravagant Academy in Detroit Awarded Scholarships: Cécred and the BeyGOOD Foundation Announce 2025 Cécred x BeyGOOD Fund to Empower the Future of the Beauty Industry – Now Available Nationwide (Business Wire)
Empowering Underserved Communities through STEM & Workforce Development
STEM Education for Social Mobility: Educating Hair Industry Professionals and Educating Communities to Thrive
Featured Initiatives
STEM Workforce Development
Expanding STEM education into nontraditional fields, creating career opportunities for all and underrepresented communities through training and partnerships.
One Voice
Supporting everyone by providing resources and outreach programs for all, women, minorities, and marginalized groups in STEM careers.
Kindness, Mentorship & Support
Connecting participants with industry professionals for guidance, career counseling, financial aid, and skill development programs.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Barcos Foundation is committed to empowering individuals through education and workforce development in non-traditional and traditional STEM fields. By breaking down barriers, we create equitable opportunities that enable underrepresented communities and all people to thrive in high-demand careers, driving progress and innovation in society.
Educating Hair Industry Professionals.
Educating the Public.
Success Stories
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A young woman from an underserved community pursued a tech career through our mentorship, now working as a software engineer.
Maria Payton
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A former cosmetology student integrated STEM skills into their profession, launching a successful salon focused on science-driven haircare solutions.
Jamie Kokot
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Our apprenticeship program helped a struggling student secure a stable, high-paying job in the technology industry.
Robert Matthew
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A participant in our Research & Development program developed an eco-friendly haircare solution now sold nationwide.
Keith Finley
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