As president of one of Chicago`s finest culinary institutes, I am writing to you about the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.
There is a restriction on student loan eligibility for those enrolled in programs that are 600 clock hours or less. This provision discriminates against students who have occupational interests that might not require 600 hours of training, not to mention financial responsibilities that prevent them from being out of the workforce for a long period of time.
At our school, we provide training for one of America`s largest service industries. The hospitality industry has continued to provide viable employment opportunities for graduates as chefs, bakers, bartenders, restaurant managers, hotel workers and floral designers. Ninety percent of our graduates are gainfully employed shortly after graduation.
In our experience, 600-hour courses in some program areas provide adequate education and training for students. The government is acting financially irresponsibly when it requires students to stay in school for more time than necessary to complete their training.
We urge our representatives in Congress to amend these negative provisions. Students seeking to enter the workforce through short-term training should have equal access to loan programs.
