About

What is KACCS?

The Kentucky Association of Career Colleges and Schools is a voluntary association of proprietary colleges and schools in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. These colleges and schools work cooperatively to ensure a quality career education for students in the Commonwealth. They meet quarterly and host seminars to discuss situations of common interest and to find ways to better meet the training needs of the students they serve. Member schools and colleges represent all regions of  Kentucky.

Mission Statement

The Kentucky Association of Career Colleges & Schools (KACCS) is committed to creating and maintaining quality in the private, career education sector for the people of the Commonwealth. The Association strives to build a state-wide membership capable of speaking with one voice to increase public interest in and understanding of the proper place and value of private, career education in Kentucky. KACCS works cooperatively with local, state and federal authorities, public school officials, business, commerce and industry to maintain high standards and sound policies for all trade, technical, business and other career education training.

Objectives of KACCS

  • To build a viable state-wide membership, capable of speaking with one voice on matters of private, career education in Kentucky.
  • To create and maintain a favorable image of private, career education in Kentucky,
  • To increase public interest in, and an understanding of, private career education in Kentucky.
  • To cooperate with local, state, regional, and national associations in the exchange of information and solutions to problems in the field of trade, technical, business, and other career education and training.
  • To conduct and promote research for the advancement of trade, technical, business school, and other career education and training.
  • To cooperate with local, state, and federal authorities, public school officials, business, commerce, and industry to maintain high standards and sound policies in the field of trade, technical, business, and other career education and training.
  • To engage in such other activities necessary and proper for the accomplishment of these objectives.

Career Colleges Fill a Gap

Career colleges and proprietary schools fill a gap in Kentucky’s postsecondary training that the community colleges and traditional universities do not fulfill. Career college students learn valuable skills that will make them productive members of a more competitive Kentucky workforce. Only 32 percent of Kentucky’s adults aged 25-34 have a degree. Career colleges and schools can help more Kentuckians earn a degree and help Kentucky close the education gap with other states and the rest of the world.

The backbone of the proprietary school is their short-term, hands-on, intensive approach to education. This approach allows students to be quickly and thoroughly prepared for entry-level positions without the traditional long-term program lengths. In addition, it is easier for students to maintain interest in their program and retain knowledge gained in the classroom in the shorter term programs career colleges often offer.

Kentucky’s career colleges and schools provide practical education to roughly 32,000 students each year – about 10% of the state’s postsecondary education population.

More than 65% of Kentucky’s career college graduates were able to obtain employment in their fields of study within six months of graduation. The average salary of students graduating from career colleges increased by 20-38% compared to their income prior to entering career colleges.

Intensive, Short-Term, Hands-on Training

The backbone of the proprietary school is the short-term, hands-on, intensive approach to education. This approach allows students to be quickly and thoroughly prepared for entry-level positions without the traditional long-term programs. In addition, it is easier for the students to maintain their keen vocal interest for one or two years as opposed to the traditional four years.

Education that Works

The proprietary schools of Kentucky are committed to helping their graduates gain employment in the areas of their training. In addition to providing quality education preparing students for their chosen career, these schools give students employment skills including resume preparation, interviewing techniques, and appropriate dress so that the job interview is a natural part of the career educational process. This commitment to education that “works” is a benefit to the students as well as to the industries they later serve within the Commonwealth. With this approach, Higher Education becomes Hire Education.

Accreditations, Approvals, and Licensing

All members of the Kentucky Association of Career Colleges and Schools are licensed by the Kentucky Board for Proprietary Education or the Council on Postsecondary Education. In addition, many of these colleges and schools are accredited by one of the nine national or regional accrediting agencies recognized by the United States Department of Education.

Government Affairs

One of the main services that KACCS provides is a full-time presence in Frankfort. Having a lobbyist allows KACCS to shape laws and regulations that affect our industry. In the past few years, KACCS has:

  • Worked with staff of the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority to eliminate the penalty in the CAP Grant Program for schools that are on a quarterly schedule.
  • Successfully lobbied legislation reorganizing the Kentucky Board of Proprietary Education.
  • Submits to the Kentucky Board of Proprietary Education a list from which industry appointments to the Board are made
  • Worked with the Board of Architecture on regulations establishing a certification program for interior designers.