Congratulations to AwesomeStPaul’s September 2026 grantee. We are pleased to sponsor this youth training event in St. Paul, MN.

Cut, Learn & Serve: St. Paul Barber Opportunity Day is a free, public one-day event combining career exposure, practical education, mentorship. They will host the event at a St. Paul community site. In the morning, 10 St. Paul youth and young adults ages 16–24 will join a hands-on barber career lab led by experienced local barbers. Participants will learn sanitation, tool safety, client service, basic haircut theory, personal branding, and realistic steps toward barber school, apprenticeship, paid work, or business ownership. Each participant will receive a small learning kit and a written next-step plan.

In the afternoon, the site will become a free community haircut and mentorship pop-up. Our goal is to provide at least 25 free services to St. Paul youth, families, elders, and neighbors while creating positive conversations about confidence, wellness, education, and employment. Aspiring barbers will observe professional service delivery and assist only in safe, appropriate non-licensed roles.

Universoul Barbers and Haircuts For A Cause will contribute volunteer coordination, outreach, barber recruitment, and existing community relationships. We will also invite St. Paul youth programs and family organizations to refer participants and guests. The $1,000 grant is what makes the event possible by covering learning kits, barber stipends, sanitation supplies, space needs, hygiene items, refreshments, and printed resources.

Success will mean 10 participants trained, at least 25 community members served, at least 30 residents connected to mentorship or future events, and at least 3 participants referred to barber schools, apprenticeships, or paid opportunities. This is not a business expansion or sales event. It is a free St. Paul education and social-outreach project that helps residents feel cared for while turning a familiar community skill into a visible pathway to opportunity.