State Rep Pillich Learns Positive Impact of Career Colleges in Ohio
Cincinnati, OH (March 1, 2010) -- Economic impact numbers, college graduation rates, and job placement numbers were the core discussion topics between State of Ohio Representative Connie Pillich (D-Montgomery) and ten area career colleges in Greater Cincinnati on February 12 at the Tri-County Campus of Beckfield College. In response to the recent decision to completely remove grant opportunities for students of career colleges from the State of Ohio budget, the Ohio Association of Career Colleges and Schools (OACCS) organized this information session to showcase the positive impact of career colleges in Ohio.
There are more than 300 career colleges and schools in Ohio with more than 84,000 students and 1400 academic program offerings. The majority of these students are working adults and single parents, many of whom are first generation college students or graduates. Recent high school graduates looking for an alternative education setting also make up a healthy percentage of students. These schools offer any combination of degrees, diplomas or certificates for specific professional or technical careers in more than 200 occupational areas. Serving individuals that need a more personal approach and smaller classroom setting, the format has been successful.
Graduates of career colleges typically stay and work within the area they attend school, not adding to the brain drain that Ohio has been focused on preventing. According the State Board of Career Colleges and Schools Annual Report FY 2009, these schools boast an average retention rate of 74%. The same report showed an average related field job placement rate for graduates at Ohio career colleges at 74%, with schools like Beckfield College at 92% and the Art Institute of Ohio-Cincinnati at a 85.5% placement rate for 2009.
By definition, career colleges and schools are owned and operated by private individuals, private investors or public corporations. Each one of these institutions pays local, state and federal taxes with no direct financial support from the State of Ohio, like most traditional or community colleges. Aside from this financial contribution, the career colleges in Cincinnati alone represent more than 700 full time and nearly 600 part time employees, totaling more than $34 million in annual payroll.
Pillich acknowledged the session was a good lesson and opened her eyes to the benefits of career colleges for everyone, both students and communities throughout the State of Ohio.
“I was impressed to learn about the unique economic impact career colleges offer the State of Ohio,” explained Pillich. “These schools fill an academic need for many of our constituents.”
Chief campus administrators from the Art Institute of Ohio, Beckfield College, Brown Mackie College, DeVry University, Hondros College, ITT-Technical Institute, Kaplan College, National College, ProTrain & Tru North Career Services, and Southwestern College presented their individual school demographics, student statistics and academic program offerings.
“Career colleges and schools in Ohio are accredited higher education institutions that meet a growing need in the post-secondary education pool of offerings,” explained David Rankin, Executive Director of the Ohio Association of Career Colleges and Schools. “Many students focused on a career path need more tailoring to their education. These schools can offer that needed personalized experience.”
About State of Ohio Representative Connie Pillich:
http://www.conniepillich.com/index.php or http://www.house.state.oh.us/index.php?option=com_displaymembers&task=detail&district=28
About the Ohio Association of Career Colleges and Schools:
http://www.ohiocareercolleges.org/
About Beckfield College
Beckfield College is a private, career college accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) that has been evolving to meet the educational needs of its learners while meeting the demands of the community and area businesses since 1984. With a campus in Florence, Kentucky and another in Tri-County Cincinnati, Beckfield College focuses on career paths in Business Administration, Cardiology Technician, Computer Network Administration, Criminal Justice, Health Care Management, Health Information Technology, Hospitality Administration, Medical Assisting, Medical Office Technology, Nursing (BSN, RN, LPN) and Paralegal Studies. Instructors bring years of real-world, practical experience and education into the classrooms to enhance the students’ education. For further information, visit www.beckfield.edu and follow Beckfield College on Facebook.
