2 Investigators: School Scam Follow-Up
Reporting
CHICAGO (CBS)? We have some state and federal reaction to a report by the CBS 2 Investigators on the unemployment trap caused by school scams. On Monday night a reporter exposed a trade school where students say they were misled about job placement and hands-on experience. Now reporter reports investigations are underway.
The Environmental Technical Institute in Blue Island gets $10 million a year in federally subsidized student loans. To get that money, the school has to be accredited by the Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology.
On Tuesday, the commission's executive director said it has opened an investigation into our findings.
Experts say getting work in the heating and air conditioning field requires lots of hands-on training. ETI claims it gives students that; and has a 99 percent job placement rate as well.
Not true, says former job placement officer at ETI.
"What I would get from contractors was basically, 'No, I don't want those guys here in my business.' ETI don't teach them anything. They are not learning heating and cooling, " former employee said.
Former students say now they're stuck with a stack of certificates, no job and loans to pay off.
Former Student paid more than $10,000 to attend ETI.
"I had to get a loan, I had to get two grants, "Former Student said.
Former Student parents had to sign for his loans.
"We are quite angry about paying off a loan when he has not got a job, " said Former Student's father.
If ETI is not delivering on their 99 percent placement promise or the hands-on training, that could put their accreditation in jeopardy.
"I need to get a job, I got a family to feed, I got taxes to pay, I got a life to go on with, " said former ETI student.
And what about the Illinois Office of Education, which licenses trade schools?
A state legislator said today she's looking into whether new laws are needed to protect trade school students.
"You have to be able to provide the services that you claim you can and no false promises, that's deceptive advertising, " said State Representative.
A spokesperson for the new owners of ETI said they are conducting their own internal investigation of our findings. They had no comment about the reaction of the accrediting commission.
Hmmm? I got a suggestion all the money ETI stole scaming students. "And forcing students to take out federally subsidized student loans! Why don't they help with the Bailout!!! Come on 10 million a year and another seven classes are to start after thankgiving. This is b@#$%&*t!
To file a complaint about ETI or other trade schools, you can contact the Illinois State Board of Education by sending an e-mail to [email protected] OR by mailing a complaint to 100 W. Randolph St., Ste. 14-300, Chicago, IL 60601.
If the school is approved for federally subsidized student loans, you can also file a complaint with its accrediting commission.in the case of ETI, it is the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology.
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