Shannon Croteau was 11 classes away from a degree from Kaplan University Online (a for-profit college owned by The Washington Post Company) when she learned she was out of financial aid, $30,000 in debt, and here’s the kicker – the degree she was working toward would be worthless in her state of New Hampshire.

She was billed for loans she never signed up for, enrolled in classes she didn’t choose and, when she complained, was given the runaround by a succession of fake “loan officers” who wouldn’t tell her the truth, let alone their last names. “They lied and cheated,” Shannon told us at “It has ruined me.”

She’s just one of millions of students to have her financial life devastated by the fraudulent and predatory practices of for-profit colleges. Countless other Kaplan students have come forward, saying they’ve been charged for classes even after they’ve withdrawn, stalked by aggressive admissions officers or had their degrees held hostage if they don’t ante up “surprise” fees.

Shannon has started a petition on the Change website , demanding that the Washington Post Company stop preying on low-income students.

Add your name.

It’s important to understand that for-profit colleges stay in business by taking billions from the federal government: During the 2008-09 academic year alone, for-profit colleges siphoned off $4.3 billion of federal student aid.

And if the students can’t pay those loans back, who cares? Students who attend for-profit colleges account for only 12% of America‘s college students, but they represent nearly half of student loan defaults. Those students will be hounded by creditors for the rest of their lives. Our tax dollars cover their debts. And the for-profit colleges never have to give back a dime.

They don’t care whether the students they recruit can afford college, or even whether those students will be able to use their degrees if and when they graduate. For these businesses, each new recruit represents a profit. Nothing more, nothing less.

But Shannon Croteau and a group of former Kaplan students are fighting back – and Change.org members can help. By raising the profile of these appalling institutions, we can pressure the Washington Post Company to get out of the business of preying on people’s dreams of better educations and better careers.

Please take action today to tell Washington Post Company Chairman Donald Graham to either stop the fraudulent practices or shut down Kaplan University:

Thanks for taking action,

Judith and the Change.org team

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Please join us in calling on Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Congress to stand strong and protect low-income students.

01/31/2011 Nativegrl77

Hundreds of thousands of people go into debt every year enrolling in for-profit higher education programs like DeVry and Argosy — sold on the idea that they’ll graduate with skills that will lead to opportunity and a better life. In reality, many come out with a mountain of debt they can’t pay back and no better prospects at employment.1
Thankfully, the Obama administration is trying to rein in this industry, which preys on low-income Americans. Their plan is to stop federal financial aid from going to higher ed programs that don’t actually help students get jobs and pay off their debt.2 Not surprisingly, the industry is fighting back hard, despite its atrocious record: their students make up 10% of those in higher ed but 40% of students who stop making payments on their loans.3

The Department of Education will make a decision soon on how to regulate this industry — and they’re under huge pressure from industry lobbyists. Please join us in calling on Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Congress to stand strong and protect low-income students.

It only takes a moment:
http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/studentdebt
Taking time away from work to get a traditional college education can feel like an impossible proposition for many Americans, and for-profit colleges seem like a quick, flexible way to get ahead. They promise low-income folks the job training it takes to escape poverty.
There’s a catch with these so-called career education programs. Recruiters say the certificates they offer will prepare students for good jobs if they’ll take on huge student loans to enroll. But the schools often leave people deep in debt and with credentials that employers don’t take seriously.4 Students think they’re doing what it takes to escape minimum wage jobs. They’re actually getting deeper into financial trouble.
It’s an issue that disproportionately affects cash-strapped Black folks who work long hours and for whom higher education at public universities or private, non-profit colleges feels impossible. A quarter of Black Americans with associate degrees get them from for-profit colleges, and 40% of these schools’ alumni are people of color.5
When Black folks decide to pursue post-secondary schooling, we’re often the first in our families to do so. And we typically have to navigate a complex process on our own and with limited information. For-profit colleges have been caught preying on this fact — misleading students, using deceptive practices, and even encouraging applicants to enter false information on their financial aid forms.6 Statistics show that people who enroll at for-profit schools are much less able to manage their debt than those who go to non-profit schools.7
The Obama administration’s proposed “gainful employment” rule would make sure that students who use federal financial aid to pay for school are able to get jobs after graduating that will allow them to repay their debt. In practice, it would force many for-profit institutions to either lower their tuition or improve their programs. But industry lobbyists are trying to kill the Obama administration’s proposed rule. They argue that for-profit colleges will be unfairly targeted by the regulation — a position that doesn’t hold water. The truth is that certificate programs at both for- and non-profit colleges will be subject to the rule.8
Some legislators, including several members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) who you’d expect to be protecting the interests of low-income Black folks, are backing up the industry’s claims.9 They put forth a blame-the-victim argument that says the problem isn’t the programs, its students’ impoverished backgrounds and inability to manage their finances. It’s infuriating, and thankfully that logic is being called out by CBC members Reps. Gwen Moore (D-WI) and Maxine Waters (D-CA) and civil rights organizations including the NAACP, Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the United Negro College Fund, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, LULAC, National Council of La Raza and United States Hispanic Leadership Institute.10
You can help, too — with your voice. Can you take a moment to call on the Obama administration and Congress to resist industry pressures and regulate higher education programs that don’t serve our communities? After you do, please ask your friends and family to do the same:
http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/studentdebt/
Thanks and Peace,
— James, Gabriel, William, Dani, Natasha, and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team
January 27th, 2011
Help support our work. ColorOfChange.org is powered by YOU — your energy and dollars. We take no money from lobbyists or large corporations that don’t share our values, and our tiny staff ensures your contributions go a long way. You can contribute here:
https://secure.colorofchange.org/contribute/
References:
1. “Student Loan Default Rates Increase,” U.S. Department of Education press release, 9-13-10
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/686?akid=1870.1174326.xmE8i9&t=7
2. Fact sheet, Coalition to Protect Students and Taxpayers
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/687?akid=1870.1174326.xmE8i9&t=9
3. See reference 2.
4. “The Newest College Credential,” The New York Times, 1-7-11
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/688?akid=1870.1174326.xmE8i9&t=11
5. “Minority Leaders Oppose “Gainful Employment” Rules for For-profit Colleges,” Diverse Issues in Higher Education, 9-20-10 (NB: Rainbow PUSH has reversed its position and now supports the DOE’s proposed rule)
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/689?akid=1870.1174326.xmE8i9&t=13
6. “For-profit colleges fight negative federal report,” Chicago Tribune, 1-10-11
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/690?akid=1870.1174326.xmE8i9&t=15
7. See reference 2.
8. Q&A on Gainful Employment, Coalition to Protect Students and Taxpayers
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/691?akid=1870.1174326.xmE8i9&t=17
9. “For-Profit Schools Donate to Lawmakers Opposing New Financial Aid Rules,” ProPublica, 9-17-10
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/692?akid=1870.1174326.xmE8i9&t=19
10. Comments in support of rules, Coalition to Protect Students and Taxpayers
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/693?akid=1870.1174326.xmE8i9&t=21
Additional resources:
“For-Profit Schools File Lawsuit to Stave Off Regulations,” ColorLines, 1-24-11
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/694?akid=1870.1174326.xmE8i9&t=23
“For-profit colleges spend big on lobbying,” Bloomberg News, 12-24-10
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/695?akid=1870.1174326.xmE8i9&t=25

~ my 2cents ...

Monday mashup &some News -last day of January

01/31/2011 Nativegrl77

As the weather gets just as nasty as the current political rhetoric more and more folks are opting to come out of the wood work and support Eygpt, its working people from all walks of life and some from all over the world.

On the flip side, Americans have seen members of Congress engage in what seems like a lot of overt discrimination, exclusion, and lack of compassion over the last two years. In the middle of all the nasty rhetoric, people spitting on Congress members, carrying racist signs during protests, leaving awful email or voice messages from people who clearly are not only upset but slightly or even more crazy than most some have unfortunately have acted upon their anger. It is clear, at least for me that the right person is in the office of President.

With election season right around the corner and the constant changes going on … We the People need to be even more aware more diligent in making sure our neighbors know the truth about health care reform, climate change, immigration reform and what positive things it will do for ALL Americans.

We are all waiting, watching, listening, and judging not only the behavior of President Obama but comparing and contrasting it from the current rhetoric and behavior coming from the Republican Party. It is obvious for me that they put Party and Profit before the People; folks like Senator John McCain, who called himself a maverick throughout the 2008 campaign, stated he would listen to the military about dadt then did a big flip flop stating he will no longer cooperate with Democratic members of Congress nor the Obama administration. The Republican Party and its leaders have managed to fool the public and side step their responsibility for some if not a substantial amount of the vitriol flung at the public and members of Congress.

In my opinion the night Joe Wilson decided he did not have to respect the place he was sitting, the moment or the office of President let alone President Obama himself, was the beginning of the nasty behavior.

In a time when we should be proud citizens of America to know 53% voted not only the countries first person of colour as President, he has proven to be the one who would rise to the occasion to tackle monumental challenges that others did not seem to want or accept. John McCain stated; our economy was strong though the evidence clearly showed we had been on a path to destruction and whatever Clinton did or said about our economy is just a distant memory. A Political Party, like the Republican Tea Party that keeps choosing Party and Profits over the fate of Americans is truly unacceptable. Republicans had over 8years to do something, anything about health care, climate change, bank regulation, immigration. I will admit I cannot even remember if the house of Bush even managed to allow any debates on those issues. What I do remember is a Bush doctrine that created 2Wars, 2 tax cuts for the rich, a lot of negative rhetoric concerning stem cell research, abortion, lack of a global warming treaty, the appointments of Justices Alito and Roberts, which made a direct impact on the outcome of elections and all our future ones as well. The house of Bush as we all know managed to avoid paygo now Americans suffer from his lack of restraint, forethought. The Republican Party did not look out for All Americans by choice then and here we are a whole new administration and the nonsense just seems to continue though Republicans are not in charge they refuse to let the governing party do just that … govern.

Even after the Arizona tragedy, people who call themselves tea party members, Republicans or whatever seem to be pushing their base in ways that just skims the lines of being against the law. It is offensive and troubling to know some of these people voted into office to be public servants, are now taking advantage of their power, and are practicing exclusion openly. This last week, last month talking heads, and folks on the right keep second-guessing their chances to take over both Chambers in Congress. The public should know or remember that the loss of seats in any election is tough but par for the course, but we must all remember what caused the downfall of our economy, who got us here and why; what could they have done to prevent the crash and didn’t do a damn thing.

my take

Other News …

**go to: cnn.com for the article on …Obama defends health care bill at Families USA conference

*million-man marches are planned in Eygpt

**The NE is in for more bad snow storms …called the monster

**A 129mph cyclone could hit Australia…already suffering from a lot of rain fall

**Huckabee is in Israel…

**Bill Clinton is in Haiti -observing the elections

**California Latinos protest AZ law and pust to end birthright citizenship on Saturday

**One of two sponsors of AZ citizenship bill-Rep.John Kavanagh,a Republican hopes for a lawsuit so it will go to US Supreme Court – also want to strike down the 14th Amendment -go to: cnn.com ;article written by Michael Martinez,cnn

**90% of GOP want tea party to have a say

CSPAN …

American History TV visits the Washington, D.C. home of Frederick Douglass, the ex-slave who wrote the influential “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass,” spoke out for women’s rights, and pressed President Abraham Lincoln for the Emancipation Proclamation. Our tour guide is National Park Service Interpretive Ranger Kamal McClarin. http://c-span.com/Events/American-Artifacts-Frederick-Douglass-House/10737419165/

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced the latest dietary guidelines for Americans at a press conference held at George Washington University. The guidelines, which are updated every five years, aim to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and obesity by encouraging improved nutrition and physical activity. http://c-span.com/Events/News-Conference-on-Dietary-Guidelines-for-Americans/10737419274/

With a GDP record,”economy is back” Washington Times

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/jan/30/with-a-gdp-record-economy-is-back/

White House Launches Startup America Initiative

http://c-span.com/Events/White-House-Launches-Startup-America-Initiative/10737419256/

~ Recent Post

Habitat Update from Habitat for Humanity International —January 2011

01/31/2011 Nativegrl77

January 2011 News

Haiti Earthquake: one year later

http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=jqLUIZNxHbIGK3J&s=aqJPK5OGIeJHIQMyEqE&m=ekIZLdMSImIXIkL

Habitat has helped thousands of earthquake-affected families by distributing 21,000 emergency shelter kits and over 1,000 transitional or upgradeable shelters.

2010: Year in Review

http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=mtI0I8PJJeKNIdI&s=aqJPK5OGIeJHIQMyEqE&m=ekIZLdMSImIXIkL

In 2010, Habitat volunteers and supporters helped families obtain decent and affordable housing. Take a look back by watching this video of memorable events throughout the year.

Habitat World blog

http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=pwK6JhMVIhJUJnL&s=aqJPK5OGIeJHIQMyEqE&m=ekIZLdMSImIXIkL

Habitat.org’s newest innovation is the Habitat World blog, a place where you can catch up on even more news and stories from around Habitat’s world. Subscribe to the blog RSS feed.

Habitat Success Story

Starting Over

A mother in North Carolina finds homeownership a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=ifISKWNtGaIHL3K&s=aqJPK5OGIeJHIQMyEqE&m=ekIZLdMSImIXIkL

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Tell President Obama to -Save the Whales

01/31/2011 Nativegrl77

At the next International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting this June, President Obama must decide to push for reform or to allow business as usual. His decision will determine the fate of the planet’s whales.

IWC reform would close loopholes and save whales. But business as usual would send Japanese whalers back Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary to slaughter more whales year after year — just like they are right now.

These types of important decisions aren’t made the day before the meeting — they’re made months in advance. That’s why on Friday, we strung up over 1,000 origami whales in front of the White House as a message to the President that we are not going to let this issue slip out of the public spotlight and allow him to get away with business as usual.

Each of the origami whales represents one whale from the Japanese kill quota and also contains the name of a Greenpeace donor who helped make this campaign possible. While the act was symbolic, the outpouring of support for this campaign and the effect it is having is very real.

You can help us keep this issue front and center for the President during the lead-up to the IWC by adding your name to our “virtual” vigil to save the whales.

http://us.greenpeace.org/site/R?i=fJorSCIjIFrVWOBX3DVNNQ..

The American public overwhelmingly supports action to save the whales. In fact, a recent Greenpeace poll showed that 83% of Americans want the President to stand by his campaign pledge to strengthen the international ban on commercial whaling. More than four out of five Americans want this to happen!

And it shows. Last week, over 40,000 Greenpeace supporters took the time to write the President and 2,000 people submitted letters to the editor calling on him to be a leader and end the senseless slaughter of whales. And your efforts aren’t going unnoticed. Right now, the US is for the first time considering trade sanctions against any country (in this case, Iceland) for violating international conservation laws. While in Japan officials were forced to apologize last month for the illegal whale meat scandal that was uncovered by two Greenpeace activists. That’s a really big deal in Japan.

The President has more to lose back home than he has to gain by protecting the interests of whaling nations like Japan. It’s why he told Greenpeace that “Allowing Japan to continue commercial whaling is unacceptable.” It’s why we have to continue urging him to keep his word and do the right thing before June.

Make sure the President knows that you are paying attention and expect leadership at the IWC this June by adding your name to our “virtual” vigil to save the whales. http://us.greenpeace.org/site/R?i=fJorSCIjIFrVWOBX3DVNNQ..