Students in the Cosmetology Program get the opportunity to participate in a variety of learning activities. Among them:

In The Community --

Working with fashion design students at Canada College, CSM Cosmetology students provide make-up and hairstyling for the models that appear in the annual Canada College fashion show.

Hair styling and make-up services also are provided by our students in connection with fund-raising fashion events produced by local high schools.

Social Service organizations in the community are pleased to have some of their clients receive hairstyling and other salon services from CSM Cosmetology students.

The department offers low-priced salon services for students, faculty and staff of the college, as well as for members of the community at large.

Cash donations are made by the CSM Cosmetology Club to selected local charities.

Competition --

On October 16, 2005, a team from the CSM Cosmetology Department won the two most prestigious awards--with over
40 teams competing--at the annual Nino Faggiano Team Competition for cosmetology students, held at the Coconut
Grove on the Santa Cruz Boardwalk.

Catherine Lima took first place honors for hairstyle, and joined other team members-- Adriana Serrano, Maya Morimune and model, Crystal Gonzalez-- in receiving the trophy for best
overall team. The competition is part of the Beauty at the
Beach hairstyling event produced each year by the Cosmetology Associations of Central Bay, Santa Clara Valley and Golden Gate. The large organization represents cosmetology schools--public
as well as private--from throughout much of Northern and Central California.

Read more about competition in Competition: Why Should I Compete?, an article featured in California Stylist magazine which includes a quote from Suzanne Russell, Cosmetology Department professor at College of San Mateo.

Career Faire --

This event brings local salons to the Cosmetology Department
at CSM every spring to showcase their companies and their employment opportunities. This enables students who plan to pursue a career in cosmetology to learn about opportunities with firms in the area, and to make valuable connections with possible future employers.

Diversity Thanksgiving --

This fun festival provides an opportunity for cosmetology students to share their ethnic cuisine with others, and to sample some foods enjoyed by people of different backgrounds. This celebration promotes respect and appreciation for the many different cultures represented by those in the department.