FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 18, 2015) – The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA) is offering 13 scholarships through The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc.

Each scholarship will include $2,000 that is applied to tuition for the cosmetology program at TSPA’s Fort Myers campus – the only accredited cosmetology school in Southwest Florida recognized by Redken for excellence in education.

“The beauty industry is a steadily growing sector of our local workforce, and these scholarships will help ensure that our community is well-equipped to meet the needs and issues of our economy,” said Marshall T. Bower, president and CEO of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, who will administer the scholarships.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of barbers, hairdressers, cosmetologists and shampooers is expected to grow 13 percent between 2012 and 2022. Most job openings will result from the need to replace workers who leave the occupation.

“All states require barbers, hairdressers and cosmetologists to be licensed. To qualify for a license, candidates are required to graduate from a state-approved cosmetology program,” said Chris Lewis, president of TSPA Ft. Myers.

Applications are due by Friday, April 3 for classes starting in June to October 2015. Full-time courses begin every four weeks with part-time classes beginning in June. Full-time courses are completed in nine months, while part time takes 14 months. A high-school diploma or GED is required. The Academy also accepts Florida Prepaid College Plans and financial aid from those who qualify.

To apply, students should contact their school guidance counselor or contact TSPA admissions office at 239-208-3958.

“Redken is an industry leader in both hair care and education for salon professionals,” said Bower. “By partnering with TSPA on these scholarships, we feel we are positioning students for long, successful careers in the industry.”

Of the thousands of beauty schools across the country, only 11 have qualified for “Redken Diamond Academy” status, with TSPA Ft. Myers being one of them. The Diamond Academy status is awarded for meeting Redken’s highest standards for facility, systems, curriculum and staff.

The first Salon Professional Academy opened in 2003 in Fargo, N.D.  Since then, TSPA has expanded to more than 20 states and extends into both Canada and the District of Columbia.

According to Lewis, TSPA offers both a state-of-the-art school with the curriculum and training developed with Redken for individuals interested in becoming cosmetologists, as well as a salon area offering services to the public including hair color, haircuts, manicures, pedicures and skin care.

All services are performed by students under the direction of a licensed cosmetology educator.

Salon services including hair, skin and nail treatments in the student salon are available Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and range from $6 to $35.

The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. is a private, 501(c)(3) organization established in 1986. Its mission is to enhance and enrich the quality of public education in Lee County for students and educators through programs, resources and experiences made possible through corporate, individual and educational partnerships.

Redken 5th Avenue NYC is dedicated to instilling the principles of success to The Salon Professional Academies by creating a network of highly skilled salon professionals knowledgeable about Redken products, trends, techniques, marketing and business tools.

For more information, call 239-208-3958 or visit www.tspaftmyers.com.