May 26, 2012
GALLIA COUNTY, Ohio (WSAZ) -- Students who are often working the hardest to get a college education are now losing a big chunk of help in Ohio.
The state's massive budget cuts eliminate all financial assistance for career college students. It's a blow that's hitting hard at local schools in our region.
The Gallipolis Career College can boast a long, rich history of success. Since 1962, the school has graduated thousands. Many of those students stay right here in the community strengthening the local economy. It's the main reason these students are here.
“They train you for jobs that we can get as soon as we graduate,” said Amy Ragland, a GCC student.
“We have an advisory board of local employers and they tell us what computers to buy, what kind of software to use, what to teach so when these students graduate they’re the best of the best and get jobs now,” said Bob Shirey, President of Gallipolis Career College.
Students who attend career colleges typically earn two-year associate degrees in a variety of fields including medical coding, office management and tech jobs. For years, students have received state grants to cover costs associated with going to school. Some of those grants totaled as much as $4000 or nearly half their yearly tuition costs.
“I used that money for transportation and to pay the bills,” said Karen Scarberry, a GCC student.
GCC and many other state schools have jumped through many hoops to meet state guidelines and ensure that assistance continues. However, the state has pulled the plug anyway.
“It’s hard because I relied on that money so I could get ahead. I will still come anyway, but this will just make it harder,” said Jessica Wisecup, a GCC student.
“Yeah, I agree. It’s going to make it a lot harder for a lot of students who needed this money to help them get by,” said Dustin Dixon, a GCC student.
These students feel like they’re being punished as another budget cut to save money costs even more sacrifice.
More than 22-thousand students at 37 career colleges were receiving the state grants. Assistance was also cut to those who attend other Ohio state colleges and universities. But, those cuts were only 50%.
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