What is the Career College Association Trying to Hide?

June 11, 2009

By Angie Moreschi:

logo Is the Career College Association afraid of the public scrutiny of its member colleges? It would seem so.

The Career College Association has decided to bar the Consumer Warning Network from covering its upcoming conference in Orlando. The Convention begins Sunday, June 14^th, and as a consumer news organization which has reported extensively on the issue of student loans and trade school problems, CWN wanted to attend on behalf of our readers.

CCA promotes on its website that the convention is “open to members of the working press.” Much to our shock CCA’s PR person Bob Cohen told us they would not “recognize” CWN “as a media outlet.” As a working journalist for more than 20 years, with multiple national and Emmy awards, I was quite surprised to say the least.

students I expressed that CWN is a consumer news and information website, and that, as I’m sure he knows, much of the world’s news is now internet based. To no avail. Mr. Cohen would not offer a reason for excluding CWN and refused to explain what media organizations CCA does recognize.

How’s that for a slap in the face to the First Amendment, from an organization which claims to support the promotion of higher education?

It is quite clear that CCA is barring the Consumer Warning Network because articles on this news website have taken a hard, in depth look at what trade schools and lending giants like Sallie Mae are doing. Our findings have shown in many cases the businesses forgo the best interest of students in favor of profits for their companies.

The Career College Association represents trade schools like Westwood College, Everest College and the International Academy of Design and Technology, which have been the source of numerous complaints to CWN from students and former employees of these businesses.

Here are some of CWN’s past articles:

As we continue our investigations into trade schools, which CCA represents, we hope you, as our readers, will express your displeasure to Mr. Cohen about their decision to prevent the media from shining a light on their activities. Here’s his direct line if you’d like to call: 202-336-6836. Or the number for the President’s office: (866) 907-0071. Also, here are email addresses if you prefer to write: bobc@career.org and cca@career.org Be sure to send us a copy and let us know what you say.

We here at CWN pledge to continue our in depth reporting into these issues, despite the best efforts of these organizations to hide what they are doing.