ACI Says Students Equal Profit at World EAP Conference

ACI Specialty Benefits today announced that Tori Barr, Senior Vice President of Corporate Relations will discuss the emerging market of student assistance in a presentation titled, “Student Assistance: An Opportunity for Employee Assistance Providers” at EAPA’s 2010 World EAP Conference on October 7 in Tampa, FL.
“Profits in career colleges have never been higher,” says ACI Specialty Benefits SVP Barr. “When the economy shifts, new opportunities appear. The success of ACI’s SOAR: Student Outreach, Assistance, Resources with industry leaders demonstrates that students can be big business.” Statistics showing that over 50% of college freshmen never graduate supports ACI’s approach to helping students solve personal problems that interfere with class attendance.
Before launching SOAR, ACI’s comprehensive student assistance program, to 79 campuses across the U.S., ACI conducted a pilot program for select campuses and online students. Follow-up surveys revealed 11% utilization in just the first three-months—more than double national averages for EAP utilization—and the school experienced measurable ROI in tuition and related services.
EAP providers team with existing student services to provide help with everyday coping. Child care, emotional challenges, homelessness, and economic challenges top the list of student concerns. “Today’s student is likely carrying a diaper bag along with the books, looking for an education that is quick, practical and leads to immediate job placement,” says Dr. Ann Clark, CEO of ACI. “For-Profit schools fill a unique and timely need in current educational trends.”