'It gives them another opportunity': Mystros Barbering Academy trains Westfield High School students to be fully licensed barbers

A new barbering program at a north Houston high school is giving students the opportunity to become fully licensed professional barbers. 

According to ABC 13 News, the new Mystros Barbering Academy at Westfield High School is the first program of its kind for the Spring Independent School District, teaching students the trade while helping them earn their license.

The program was started by local barber Eros Shaw, who also teaches the course.

"It's important to have this program here for the students because it gives them another opportunity," Shaw told ABC 13 News. "Not all of our kids will have the opportunity to attend college. There are a lot of kids that are really good with their hands and have other things that they're interested in versus actually going off to college."

Shaw is known as "Mr. E." to his students. One student, Jacob Lara, describes him as "laid back, understanding and cool."

Requirements for the state barbering license include successful completion of a customer service class and Barbering 1 and 2 courses.

"From this experience, I hope for my students to walk out of here knowing that they did something for themselves, important to their future," Shaw told ABC 13 News.