Two hundred free haircuts in five hours. For the cosmetology students from Milan Institute of Amarillo, last month’s Faith and Blue Back the School event represented more than just practice with scissors and styling tools. It was a lesson in the power of community service.
The July 26 event, held at the Amarillo Civic Center’s South Exhibit Hall, brought together the Amarillo Police Department and local faith communities to prepare children for the upcoming school year. Beyond the fresh haircuts, families could access free school supplies and vaccinations, creating a comprehensive support system for students facing financial barriers to school readiness.
Building Bridges Through Service
The collaboration exemplifies the broader Faith and Blue initiative, a national movement that connects law enforcement with faith-based organizations to strengthen community bonds. What began as a weekend initiative in October has grown into year-round programming, with the Amarillo event serving as a prime example of how these partnerships can address real community needs.
“We love supporting our community and our first responders, so we were honored when the police department asked us to be a part of this back-to-school event,” said Tori Palmer, director of Milan Institute’s Amarillo campus. “Providing free haircuts for kids is just one way we can help them feel confident and prepared for the new school year.”
For cosmetology student Annalisa, the motivation was deeply personal: “I just wanted to give back to my community and let all of these kids go to school with a brand new haircut to start the new year.”
Learning Through Giving
The event provided Milan Institute students with more than technical practice. Cosmetology student Tadjea reflected on the dual benefits: “I needed the experience. It was a really fun experience doing the haircuts. There’s nothing better than going to school looking good on your first day. So I was happy to contribute today, and I had fun doing it.”
This community service approach aligns with Milan Institute’s broader educational philosophy. The institution emphasizes the importance of serving communities as part of professional development.
Similar initiatives across Milan Institute campuses demonstrate this commitment. In Reno, Nevada, students recently partnered with Vituity Cares Foundation to provide haircuts at a medical clinic. In Bakersfield, California, students participated in a salon makeover for a burn survivor.
A Growing Movement
The Amarillo event reflects a broader trend of police departments partnering with community organizations for back-to-school support. From Houston to Maryland, law enforcement agencies are finding that these collaborative efforts build trust while addressing practical needs.
For the 200 children who received haircuts that day in Amarillo, the impact was immediate and visible. For the Milan Institute students who provided those services, the experience reinforced a lesson that extends far beyond the classroom: that technical skills combined with compassion can transform both giver and receiver, one haircut at a time.
The success of the Amarillo event underscores Palmer’s vision of community engagement as both privilege and responsibility. As these students prepare to enter the beauty industry, they carry with them not just technical expertise. They have an understanding of how their craft can serve as a bridge to stronger communities.