Ohio and Michigan Associations of Career Colleges and Schools announce merger
Columbus, Ohio – Two non-profit associations serving private career colleges and schools announced their merger today, creating the Ohio-Michigan Association of Career Colleges and Schools.
The new association will have a combined membership of 95 campuses, providing career training in many high-demand occupations, including business, information technology and health care.
The merger of the Michigan Association of Career Colleges and Schools (MACCS) and the Ohio Association of Career Colleges and Schools (OACCS) will be effective June 1 when business operations are consolidated at OACCS’ current location, in Columbus. Kent Trofholz, executive director of OACCS, will become executive director of the new organization.
The associations’ boards of directors agreed to align common interests to better promote the career education sector, members schools and students. MACCS and OACCS were each formed over 40 years ago.
“Combining our forces will help grow and support career education in the entire Ohio and Michigan region, and act as one voice in state and local governments that are not often aware of the vital impact technical training schools have on the growing workforce of today,” said Kurt Eli Mayry, MACCS board president. “This merger will offer our members greater recognition with the labor force and employers, stronger representation in legislative policy making, and more support for our members and their students.”
Kent Trofholz said, “The economies and workforce needs of Ohio and Michigan have many similarities, so creating an association that meets the service and advocacy needs of members in both states makes sense strategically. I’m excited about the opportunities for a stronger force to speak with a larger megaphone.”
Trofholz noted the alliance of professional associations mirrors changes in the higher education sector they serve, including mergers and consolidations among the nation’s career education universities that enroll nearly 8 million students.
Career colleges and schools enable predominately low-income adults, minorities sand women to earn degrees, certificates and diplomas, seek retraining, and increase their earning potential. Graduates of career colleges are in high demand to fill jobs with the highest number of openings, as documented by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
CONTACT:
Kent Trofholz, Executive Director
Ohio Association of Career Colleges and Schools
2109 Stella Court, Suite 125
Columbus, OH 43215
614-487-8180
Ktrofholz@ohiocareercolleges.org
Kurt Eli Mayry, Board President
Michigan Association of Career Colleges and Schools
2040 Crooks Rd., Ste. B
Troy, MI 48084
248-528-1760
Kurtm@mpifilm.com