Fort Smith salon owner Terra Harvell is speaking out against proposed federal changes to student aid that could make it harder for aspiring trade workers to afford vocational training.
Harvell, who operates a salon in Fort Smith, said federal student aid enabled her to complete cosmetology school and build her business. Without that assistance, she said her dream of owning a salon would not have become reality.
“If it wasn’t for that aid, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today,” Harvell told 5News KFSM. “A lot of people can’t afford to go to trade school without some kind of help.”
The proposed changes, which are currently under consideration at the federal level, could alter how Pell Grants and other forms of student aid are distributed to students enrolled in trade schools and vocational programs. Trade school advocates warn that reducing access to federal aid could shrink enrollment in programs that prepare workers for careers in fields like cosmetology, automotive repair, welding and healthcare.
In Arkansas, trade schools serve students across the state, including those in the Fort Smith metro area and Northwest Arkansas regions. Many students in these programs rely heavily on federal grants and loans to cover tuition, which can cost thousands of dollars for certificate programs lasting several months to two years.
Cosmetology programs in Arkansas require between 1,500 and 2,000 hours of training, depending on the specialty. Tuition costs vary by school but often exceed $10,000, making financial aid critical for many students.
Harvell said she worries that cutting off or reducing federal student aid for trade programs would prevent low-income students from entering fields that offer stable employment without requiring a four-year degree.
“This isn’t just about school,” she said. “It’s about people being able to have a career and provide for their families.”
Supporters of the proposed changes have argued that tightening student aid requirements could ensure federal dollars are directed toward programs that demonstrate strong outcomes for graduates. Critics contend that trade schools already face scrutiny over job placement rates, and reducing aid could disproportionately affect students from rural and underserved communities.
The debate comes as both federal and state policymakers continue to weigh the role of vocational education in workforce development. Arkansas has invested in expanding trade school access in recent years, recognizing that many industries in the state face shortages of skilled workers.
Harvell said she plans to continue advocating for trade school students and hopes legislators will consider the impact of policy changes on working-class families.
“Someone has to speak up for the people who can’t afford to go to school any other way,” she said.
Source: 5News KFSM
