Highlights: The Official Newsletter of AACS

June 13, 2025

CEA 2025: Empower Your Educators with Valuable Methodology Courses Taught by Expert Educators!

CEA attendees will gain valuable insight and expert instruction from three unique, foundational methodology classes taught by education experts:

• Setting Yourself Up for Successful Instruction: Preparing Content & Strategies for Greater Success, Presented by Shawn Stearns, L’Oreal
• Teaching the Anxious Generation: The Role of Educators in Today’s Classroom, Presented by Lisha Barnes, Milady
• The Power of Questioning: Transform How You Teach, Think, and Connect with Learners, Presented by Lisa Kersting & Buddy Sims, Pivot Point

Finalists to Be Announced Soon for Student Stylist of the Year!

With over 120 submissions, our judges had their work cut out for them and are currently finishing up the first round of judging.

A total of 12 finalists will be announced soon (three from each category: Best Overall, Best in Cut, Best in Color, and Best in Finishing). Of those 12, four top-scoring winners will be selected in a second round of judging. Those four winners will be awarded at the official Awards Luncheon at CEA Conference in Orlando, August 2-4!

The AACS CEA Conference Room Block Rate Expires Soon!

If you're attending CEA, make your hotel reservations soon at our conference venue: Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista - Disney Springs!

AACS has negotiated a discounted rate of $169 (plus taxes and fees) per night for CEA attendees. This rate is valid until July 1, or until all rooms in the block have been reserved.

Annual Conference: Call for Presenters Now Open!

AACS seeks presenters for the 2025 AACS Annual Conference, October 24-26 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

If you're a knowledgable, passionate presenter in the realm of career school operations, we welcome you to apply to present at the industry's most respected conference for beauty, barber, and wellness school owners. Application closes midnight, June 20.

One in Three Americans Recommend Trade School Over College for High School Grads

"A greater percentage of U.S. adults would recommend that graduating high school seniors attend a trade school than would recommend college, according to a new Workforce Monitor® survey from the American Staffing Association conducted by The Harris Poll."

“The time has come to radically rethink how we’re preparing America’s future workforce,” said Richard Wahlquist, chief executive officer at ASA.

Don't Let Your Educators Miss Out on the 2025 CEA Conference!

Join us August 2-4 in Orlando, Florida, for two days of valuable education that your instructors can put into use in the classroom right away.

• Earn 8+ CEU credits
• Network and connect with your peers and friends
• Browse a vibrant exhibitor showcase
• Learn from 3 methodology specialists and more than 20 expert industry presenters
• Get the tools and knowledge to enhance your skills in the classroom!