I would like to express my frustration regarding an issue that is before the Ohio House. This is an issue that all Ohioans need to make a priority, as it will have a drastic effect on our future. House Bill 119 threatens to pull the Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) from students seeking enrollment at a proprietary (for-profit) school. Currently OCOG is determined by financial need to students enrolling for a minimum of a two-year degree. Should HB 119 pass, students eligible for such funding will be denied the OCOG if they enroll in a school that is not state-funded.
Since when does the government think it is their right to discriminate against citizens who would prefer to attend a school that is the best choice for them? Most students who attend proprietary schools are considered "non-traditional;" many are single parents, adults returning to the workforce or those who need to train for a new industry. Smaller, proprietary colleges offer a flexible, convenient, and less expensive alternative to reaching their educational and career goals.