Career Colleges and Schools Seek Applicants for $1.1 Million in Scholarships

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ohio Association of Career Colleges and Schools (OACCS) is seeking applicants for more than $1.1 million in scholarships to prepare high school graduates for jobs in Ohio business and industry.

OACCS offers the 2012 Legislative Scholarship Program in cooperation with 52 participating colleges and the Ohio General Assembly.

"Career colleges and schools are committed to making education accessible and each year set aside money to make it affordable, too," said R. David Rankin, OACCS executive director.

Last year, more than $800,000 remained in the scholarship fund due to lack of applicants, even though more of today's well-paying jobs require post-secondary education.

"People may think that college is out of reach. We're letting Ohioans know the doors of career colleges and schools are open, especially with the help of 346 scholarships," Rankin said.

Scholarships are available to seniors graduating from an Ohio high school by June 2012. Applicants must be nominated by a current member of the Ohio legislature. The deadline for submission is April 2, 2012. A list of scholarship programs and application instructions are available at www.ohiocareercolleges.org.

Rankin said that the slow economic recovery has caused people to re-evaluate their career options. "Students enrolled in career colleges and schools learn the skills employers need for job openings now and in the future," he said.

Approximately 80 percent of graduates find jobs in their field within 90 days of graduation.

After last year's disappointment, Rankin said, "I hope we deplete the fund this time because that would mean more people will soon be joining the workforce and improving Ohio's economy."

"Career colleges and schools want to put Ohio back on the road to prosperity and give residents a shot at the American dream," Rankin said.

About OACCS: The Ohio Association of Career Colleges and Schools is a statewide association of voluntary membership for non-public, post-secondary private schools and colleges. All member schools are licensed by the State of Ohio, through the State Board of Career Colleges and Schools. More than 97,000 Ohioans attend nearly 300 registered career colleges and schools preparing students for jobs and careers through certificate, diploma and degree programs.

SOURCE The Ohio Association of Career Colleges and Schools