WASHINGTON, July 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- MANA, A National Latina Organization, is encouraged by the work the private higher sector has done to provide minority students with career focused education. Following the Department of Education's release of the "Gainful Employment" rule, MANA is concerned about the possible consequences for Hispanic students. The following statement can be attributed to MANA President and CEO, Alma Morales Riojas:

"We want to ensure that all students, but primarily Latinas, retain access to all educational, vocational, and training programs. Implementation of the Gainful Employment rule would deny Title IV financial assistance for these programs, unless the program met a service-to-income ratio. This will adversely affect Hispanic students' ability to borrow money and will limit Hispanic students' access to higher education.

Student debt for underserved populations is a concern to many of us. However, any effort to lift the burden of student debt should not reduce educational opportunities for many Hispanic and

low-income students. The programs offered by the private higher education sector meet the needs of students and graduate them ready to pursue careers in their chosen field. As both a representative of MANA and a Latina, I believe that the Department of Education should reconsider its Gainful Employment rule."

About MANA: MANA, A National Latina Organization, is a nonprofit advocacy organization

headquartered in Washington, DC. With chapters across the country, it is the oldest national Latina membership organization in the United States. MANA, whose mission is to empower Latinas through leadership development, community service, and advocacy, envisions a national community of informed Latina activists working to improve the quality of life for all Hispanics. MANA also has the only national Latina mentoring program for girls 11 to 18, known as "HERMANITAS®".

SOURCE MANA: A National Latina Organization