Lisa Patton was just two weeks away from getting her cosmetology license, when the Pennsylvania Academy of Cosmetology closed suddenly on February 24th.

But the Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center (GJCTC) stepped in to help, expanding its “Career in a Year” program to include an adult cosmetology program.

“It was just a big blow. I had been there. I had perfect attendance. I had A honor roll the whole entire time. And then boom, the school’s closed. But I wasn’t going to stop. I’m going to finish,” said Lisa Patton, a cosmetology student.

John Augustine, the administrative director for the GJCTC, said the school is happy to help the 54 students who were displaced pick back up with their education.

One way they’re doing that is by waiving enrollment fees and offering the students scholarships, totaling nearly $100,000.

“Internally, we’re going to accept less money to run the program because they’ve already paid out so much to start their education. I think it’s a huge deal to these students because it’s really unfortunate that they got dislocated and we’re able to restart up again in a month and offer their curriculum again,” Augustine said.

Starting Friday, construction will begin on two classrooms. The wall between the two rooms will be torn down to create a large space for the salon and spa areas. Administrators hope the cosmetology students can resume classes in April.

Lisa said she already passed her board exams and is planning on buying her own salon, so the timing of the school closing, isn’t ideal.

“I’m like so close to owning my own salon. I’m in the process of that. So I have to have these licenses. So if it means coming down here for two weeks, staying, finishing. Then that’s what I do,” Patton said.

Lisa lives in Brockway and will have to make the two-hour commute just to attend classes, but she said it’s worth it.

“It’s just going to be a big change. I’m used to going 15 minutes to school. Now it’s two hours and 45 minutes, but that’s OK,” Patton said. “I have to, but I’m willing to do it. So, I have to finish.”