Tools for Success Help Grads Jump-Start Careers

By JOHN L. MITCHELL

April 20, 2001 12 AM PT

TIMES STAFF WRITER

Felecia Thompson’s dream of becoming a hair designer was snatched away twice. But now she’s finally ready to celebrate--and even dream.

The 34-year-old cosmetology major was one of 19 graduates at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College awarded a scholarship Thursday as part of the Tools for Success program. Sponsored by Miller Brewing Co., the program gives high-achieving students the tools needed to jump-start their careers after college.

“I want to open up my own beauty salon somewhere around Wilshire and La Brea,” said Thompson, her 6-year-old son tugging at her waist. “This will really help. I feel blessed.”

For Thompson, the blessing is $2,000 worth of curling irons, hot combs, clippers and a hair dryer.

“This is not a traditional scholarship program,” said Victor Franco, an executive with Miller Brewing. “We don’t write checks or give cash. What we do is give them what they need to get started.”

Franco, who created the program, said the scholarships are a symbol of faith in the recipients. The awards, ranging in value from $1,5000 to $4,000, were given to students who graduated despite tremendous odds: overcoming alcoholism, gang involvement, prison and physical ailments. Many attended class while working full time and raising children.

Jeffrey Arrington, a 36-year-old former gang member, had been in and out of prison since his early teens.

Five years ago, he decided it was time to make a change. Plumbing was his ticket to a better life.

“I wanted to do something with myself,” he said. “I needed to do something besides hanging out on the street. With plumbing, I can make a difference. I can support my family and I can help people.”

Having a shop of her own has been Thompson’s dream since she was a girl and accidentally turned her grandmother’s hair green.

She enrolled in Trade-Technical College in 1984, but was forced to drop out because of family hardships. She enrolled again in 1994, but dropped out after her husband was murdered by a robber.

Now as she faces graduation, she is looking for a job and wants to donate some time styling hair for poor children.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” she said. “‘When you look good on the outside, you feel good on the inside.”