Why is this needed in Buffalo, NY?
At Camp B-U, we believe a youth cosmetology program is needed in Buffalo, NY-not in place of, but in addition to sports and dance. It addresses unique needs and fills gaps that other programs sometimes overlook. Especially for our Black and Brown youth.
And we want to share why this is needed:
1. Career Exposure & Workforce Readiness: While dance and sports are valuable for physical development and self-expression, Cosmetology introduces real hands-on career training at an early age. Our city has youth who need early pathways to Entrepreneurship and Trades. Especially in neighborhoods where generational poverty and limited job access are realities. We want to create generational wealth in those areas.
2. Representation of the Beauty and Barber Industry: In predominantly Black communities, youth often DON'T see their hair textures, styles, or skin tones celebrated in mainstream beauty spaces. A youth cosmetology program rooted in cultural relevance gives them pride, identity and representation, all while instilling technical skills. It's not just appearance enhancement, it's about belonging and empowerment!
3. Mental Health & Confidence Building: Cosmetology gives space for creativity, connection, and confidence. Especially for youth who may not thrive in the traditional athletic or performance spaces. Camp B-U offers a therapeutic outlet, where youth can express themselves and feel seen, heard, not judged, and valued. This is something crucial in our city, especially with the high youth trauma and limited youth Mental Health access.
4. Gender-Inclusive Opportunities: There are many programs that may unintentionally lean towards binary gender interests: Ex. boys in sports, girls in dance. Camp B-U is inclusive and attracts a wide range of youth, including those who may be overlooked or possibly misunderstood in programming. Camp B-U is an umbrella that covers our youth, and all identities can be and will be embraced.
5. Economic Equity: Our city has deep, DEEP pockets of economic disparity. Cosmetology is one of the few industries where you can start young, practicing at home, and also make money without a college degree. Early exposure creates future Licensed Professionals, Salon Owners, and Entrepreneurs who support themselves, and will give back to their communities in the future. Remember, if we take care of our youth, they will take care of us!
6. Alternative for Non-Athletic Youth: Not every child is athletic, or interested in performing. Camp B-U offers an alternative that is just as structured, skill based, and extremely impactful. It keeps our kids off the streets, and focuses on self-development.
Buffalo doesn't just need more youth programs, it needs more DIVERSE youth programs. The Camp B-U experience fills a cultural, economic and creative gap that sports and dance alone can't cover. It's about building BOLD, BRILLIANT, UNIQUE and UNSTOPPABLE young people through Beauty, Barbering and Business.
