What’s the best way to find out you won a $5,000 scholarship toward your cosmetology or barber school tuition? For student Peteara, it’s with your classmates. “We surprised Peteara at her beauty school, right on the salon floor, by presenting her with a giant check and a huge bouquet of balloons,” said Amanda, one of four general managers for a franchisee who owns and operates 46 Great Clips® salons across Indiana and Michigan. “Everyone gathered around her, cheering and celebrating as we made a heartfelt announcement that Peteara had won a $5,000 Great Scholarship. It was such a fun moment!” 

Peteara agrees. “I was overjoyed,” she said, “what a blessing! I applied for multiple scholarships and aid because I needed some financial relief. In fact, I applied for the Great Scholarship Program twice! The second time did the trick. It was so fun to be celebrated with everyone at our beauty school.” 

Meeting Taylor: The Next Step to Peteara’s Salon Career 

Taylor has risen through the ranks of Amanda’s organization over the past three years. She started as a salon receptionist straight out of school, quickly becoming a stylist, an assistant manager, and now a salon manager. She is also a member of the design team, which means she visits local cosmetology schools to offer haircut and consultation demos, mentorship opportunities, and even practice sessions for state testing and licensure. It was during one of these visits that Taylor met Peteara.  

“As part of my school demo, I talk about our organization’s Great Start Program, which is a paid apprenticeship,” Taylor said. “Students can apply when they are three months from graduation. They come to one of our salons for three hours a week to shadow stylists on the floor and ask questions during the haircuts. Our customers love it! There’s also time for students to demo haircuts on our mannequins, watch skill-building courses through Great Clips University, and study for the licensure exam.” 

Peteara was interested in the internship program, but hesitant to apply, until she won the Great Scholarship. “I decided to apply for the Great Start Program and got it!” Peteara said. “My internship hours apply to my schooling. Now, I only have two weeks left!” 

“I believe it was the combination of Taylor’s impactful demo and the positive, personalized experience she had throughout the scholarship process that inspired Peteara to apply for our apprenticeship program,” Amanda said. “Great Scholarship winners are chosen from a competitive pool of applicants who show potential and passion for this industry. They gain visibility, mentorship opportunities, and often a direct path into a career at a Great Clips® franchised salon, where continued growth and development are prioritized. It’s a meaningful jumpstart to a successful and rewarding journey in this industry.” 

Great salon careers start here 

If you’re a student stylist or barber in the U.S. or Canada, why not apply for a Great Scholarship? Applications are accepted all year long; prizes are awarded in the spring and fall.  

If you’re ready to find a great role at a franchised Great Clips® salon near you, use our search tool. 

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All Great Clips® salons are independently owned and operated by third party franchisees. Franchisees, not Great Clips, Inc., are responsible for all hiring and personnel matters at their individual salons.