From passion to purpose: how a pre-apprenticeship program is setting up underserved communities for success

Gerod Sturgis is changing how vocational training works in Michigan. As the owner of Legacy Barber College, he has created a system that connects classroom instruction with real-world experience. His institution is the first to be a recognized Registered Apprenticeship Program sponsor for barbering in the state, offering a clear path from training to employment.

Through the Cutting Up Pre-Apprenticeship program, students gain the skills needed to enter the workforce with confidence. The program is endorsed by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, which guarantees participants an interview for an apprenticeship at a licensed shop upon completion. This model removes barriers for people who may have faced obstacles in the past, including those from underrepresented communities.

Sturgis is committed to mentorship and reaching individuals in schools and juvenile detention facilities. He uses his position to provide scholarship aid through the Legacy Foundation, helping students manage financial hardship. By opening a new location in Ann Arbor, he is expanding the reach of this model, proving that high-quality technical education can build lasting career stability.

Graduates of this program are not just learning a trade. They are becoming business owners and community leaders across the region. The focus on structured rigor and practical experience ensures that students leave prepared for long-term independence in their field.