Peekskill, NY, July 1st, 2010–Empire Education Group acquired the Northern Westchester School of Hairdressing and Cosmetology, located in Peekskill, NY. “We are thrilled about this new addition to our growing Empire Education Group family, and look forward to offering the talented future professionals in Westchester and surrounding counties the opportunity to work successfully in an industry that they truly enjoy,” stated Franklin K. Schoeneman, chairman and CEO of Empire Education Group.
The newly acquired school will integrate Empire’s digital teaching aids such as Whiteboard and Nxtbook technology into the school’s hands-on curriculum. In addition to joining Empire Education Group’s network of cosmetology schools, the Northern Westchester School of Hairdressing and Cosmetology students will also benefit from Empire’s additional educational advantages. Empire offers job placement assistance and opportunities for students and alumni through the company’s industry affiliations, such as the Regis Corporation and the nearly 10,000 salons Regis operates. Students of the school will also be able to enroll in advanced educational programs at any of Empire’s nearly 100 schools across the U.S. to further their education and ultimately career. Empire Education Group schools are accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences, Inc. (NACCAS), and licensed in their respective states. They are also authorized by the U.S. Department of Education for participation in the Title IV Financial Aid programs. The Northern Westchester School of Hairdressing and Cosmetology former owner, Anthony Fragomeni, has been instrumental in federal and state regulatory matters affecting the cosmetology school industry; he is a past president of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) and currently serves as co-chair of the association’s government relations committee. In 2009 he received the prestigious N.F. Cimaglia Award for lifetime contributions to cosmetology education. Fragomeni has joined Empire Education Group as the Director of Government Affairs, and in his new role he will work with state licensing authorities and develop relationships with all the agencies that govern Empire operations.
Empire will eventually transition the Northern Westchester School of Hairdressing and Cosmetology curriculum to Empire’s exclusive and visually dynamic Certified Learning in Cosmetology (CLiC) curriculum. This innovative system offers students an interactive and artistically-based educational approach to learning. Empire will also introduce the Empire Gives Back program to the Peekskill school – a program supporting the fight against domestic abuse through advanced student training and education in identifying the signs of domestic abuse in salon clients, as well as a comprehensive platform with community and public awareness efforts, and fundraising. Empire’s nearly 100 schools participate in a one-day of beauty services event, National Day of Beauty, with 100% of the proceeds donated to local women and children centers across the country. “We are committed to bringing our charitable spirit, our dedication to supporting our local communities and our active engagement in anti-domestic violence causes to our new Peekskill campus,” added Schoeneman.
Students of the newly acquired school will also have the opportunity to participated and attend Empire’s Future Professionals Expo, one of the largest and nationally renowned student styling competitions and tradeshow events in North America. The event features various competitions for hairstyling, cutting, coloring and braiding, makeup artistry and nail artistry, and offers winners educational opportunities to shadow industry professionals and attend advanced educational opportunities. Students also network with hiring salons and spas with on-the-spot interviews. National and international beauty vendors on the tradeshow floor offer students the latest trends, products and high-end tools of the trade. Empire’s 2010 Future Professionals Expo featured celebrity guests and guest judges such as 2010’s Shear Genius winner Brig Van Osten. Nationally recognized professional beauty companies such as Goldwell, Repêchage, and Creative Nail Design were also on tap at the event.
A live show from industry icon, famed hairdresser and Platform Artist of the Year, Nick Arrojo, was a highlight at Empire’s 2010 Future Professionals Expo. Arrojo and Empire have teamed up to offer the Masters of Beauty Certification program, a national advanced educational tour promising to inspire professionals and introduce Arrojo’s signature techniques and skills.