Baker Middle School students got free haircuts, learned basic barbering skills and lessons in the value of communication during a recent after-school session with Brian Gatewood, founder and CEO of Innovative Change Makers.

The session came with a bonus – the freedom for students to talk to a barber about what’s going on in their life, if they wanted to. It was a valuable resource Gatewood found early in his life and wanted to find a way to share.

 “At one of the worst times in my life, I refused the traditional route of therapy, but found a different place where I found comfort and help,” Gatewood said. "I want to make sure our youth are in a similar position – that they can have a similar support.” 

As a result, he developed Innovative Cutz, a program in which youth learn the fundamentals of barbering, get certified in Teen Mental Health First Aid, and learn about career readiness. He hopes to bring the program to even more Baker students.

“They’re showing up for kids. They’re showing they care about our kids and are here for them. They are providing so many opportunities,” said Fabbiney Scarlett, Baker Assistant Principal.