$2.3M Stimulus Goes to Tampa Area Beauty Schools in the Form of Pell Grants.

Tampa Area beauty schools have received $2.3million dollars in government stimulus money, even though the demand and job opportunities for beauty school graduates is down. Is this a good use of taxpayer's money.

With the faltering economy and worries about joblessness, many people have cut down or entirely eliminated trips to the hairdressers and beauty salons. As a result there are many hairstylists, nail technicians and masseuses out of work or working for commission only. With business down, only a few of the established salons can afford to pay an hourly wage. Many of the newer salons have closed down. Yet stimulus money is still available to those students looking for a career in the beauty industry.

The stimulus money is paid to the beauty schools in the form of Pell Grants. Pell Grants are awarded to low-income students and do not have to be paid back. The typical amount of a Pell Grant for an individual student is $5,350. Approximately 81% of the beauty school students take advantage of theses grants.

Tuition for a year's study at the Bene International School of Beauty in New Port Richey, Florida is $12,000, considerably more than a resident of Florida pays for one year at the University of Florida. In addition to Pell Loans most students rely on other financial help.

Some area salons are hiring in this economy, but even beauty industry lobbyists say beauty school is rarely the ticket to a thriving career. Bonnie Poole, treasurer of the Florida Cosmetology Association says, " It's a good trade, but only for a select few. Only 2 % of beauty school graduates will be working in the industry five years from now. It's only for a select few who want to wade through the mud to get to where they want to be."

The Pell grants do not have to be paid back. The grants are given out according to financial need, and are not based on an assessment of what job skills are in demand. Students apply and if accepted, can put the money toward the tuition of any college, university, or vocational school to which they have been accepted.

The Federal Education Department supports these grants. Spokesperson Jane Glickman states, "We are committed to increase the access and affordability for higher education. The grants are invaluable to kids who may lack traditional academic skills and aren't going to college, but need a career."

Steve Ellis, vice president of Taxpayers for Common Sense, was surprised when he learned that stimulus money was going to beauty schools "It would raise the eyebrows of taxpayers to know that stimulus money is going to those teaching cosmetology, nail design and massage."

Other schools getting money offer vocational training in the healthcare, computer, design and fashion fields.

Sources:

St. Pete Times

TBO.com