The Heartbeat of Barcos Foundation: While our mission takes us into the community, it is the steadfast generosity of our key partners that makes every haircut possible. This card is a small token of our immense gratitude for Ken and Sari Bloom, The Waymaster Family, and David Barley.
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2026, scheduled for April 26 to May 2, 2026, is a nationwide celebration that brings together a diverse range of stakeholders—including employers, industry associations, labor organizations, and educational institutions—to showcase the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeships. This year marks the 12th anniversary of the event and features a significant shift to a springtime schedule based on partner feedback
The mission of the Men's Health Event and "Team Waymaster" beyond event day. It's a structured way to give back to the community and honor Chris Waymaster's legacy, with grooming services.
The mission of the Men's Health Event and "Team Waymaster" beyond event day. It's a structured way to give back to the community and honor Chris Waymaster's legacy, with grooming services.
The Barcos Foundation addresses the crisis in Michigan's barbering industry following the closing of schools like the Michigan Barber School. Discover our work in legislative advocacy, vocational education, and student support to ensure a future for this essential profession.
The Kindness Jar: The Kindness Impact Tracker, inspired by the World Kindness Movement and the Barcos Foundation, serves as a vibrant hub to celebrate, encourage, and visualize acts of kindness. It aims to foster a positive, supportive community by inspiring individuals to perform and acknowledge kind deeds, demonstrating how even small actions contribute to a more compassionate world and align with a "STEMming from Kindness" initiative.
"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
STEM For
Social
Mobility.
Educating Hair Industry Professionals and Communities to thrive in the modern workforce through STEM-integrated development.
Strategic Impact
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
Empowering individuals through education in non-traditional STEM fields to drive innovation in society.
Educating Hair Industry Professionals.
Educating the Public.
Success Stories
Innovation Hub Cases
Professional
Excellence
Shop Owner
Activation
Credential
Milestone
Master
Recruitment
Pulse Check
Impact
Classroom
Transition
Economic
Restoration
Warrior
Legacy
Your Feedback
Powers Our Reach
For individuals and organizations: A quick Google review helps us prove our impact to the world. When you share your experience, it builds the trust we need to secure more partnerships—allowing us to keep our high-level training and resources 100% free for everyone.
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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
