THATCHER, Ariz. — After more than a decade of demand exceeding available space, EA has opened a new Cosmetology Program facility designed to nearly double student capacity, and the entire community is invited to see it.
Free public tours will be offered following a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at 951 N. College Ave. in Thatcher.
The 12,000-square-foot space includes three classrooms, specialized rooms for skin and nail care, full-service salons, student support areas, and other modern training spaces. It increases the program’s capacity from 70 to 130 students, creating more opportunities for students to prepare for careers in cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology.
The facility is part of a $15 million cosmetology and healthcare construction project funded through EA reserves and state support without bonding or a tax increase. The larger project also includes an adjacent medical facility owned by EA and leased to Mount Graham Regional Medical Center that now houses Copper Mountain Clinic – Thatcher. EA broke ground on the project in March 2025. It was designed by SPS+ Architects and built by CORE Construction.
At the beginning of each tour, guests will receive an empty cosmetics bag. As they make their way through the facility, they will collect essential hair, skin, and nail care products provided by the Cosmetology Program, its sponsors, and EA.
Tours should take no more than 30 minutes, and refreshments will be served at the conclusion of each tour.
No registration is required. Guests should follow event parking signs upon arrival and enter through the facility’s main entrance.
