Title IV certification represents a major milestone in the school's ongoing commitment to help students reach their dreams

The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA) in Onalaska (www.salonproacademy.com) today announced that it has received certification from the United States Department of Education to participate in the Federal Student Financial Assistance Programs authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act (Title IV, HEA Program).

Effective today, all qualifying current and prospective students at The Salon Professional Academy will be able to apply for all applicable federal student aid programs, including Unsubsidized Federal Stafford loans, Subsidized Federal Stafford loans, Federal PLUS (Parent) loans, and Federal Pell Grants.

According to Sue Kolve-Feehan, Owner and Director of TSPA, "We are so thrilled that this day has finally arrived. With the credit crisis, it has been very difficult for our students to obtain loans to help them pay for school, and we have a number of potential students who have been waiting for this."

Sue said that interest in cosmetology education has increased as traditional students seek a career that taps into their creativity and love of fashion and beauty. Non-traditional students are enrolling in the school to train for a second career. Sue said the interest in cosmetology may have been buoyed by U.S. News and World Report's ranking of hairstylist/cosmetologist as one of the top 30 careers for both 2008 and 2009 (http://www.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/2008/12/11/best-careers-2009-hairstylistcosmetologist.html)

Sue said receiving certification has been a long journey for the school. "The first step was for TSPA to be accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges," she said. "In order to receive accreditation, we needed to have been open for two years and go through a very rigorous review process. We received notice of our accreditation in June, 2009. The next step was for the Department of Education to review our application and approve our school's policies and procedures, and then issue our school code that students use on their financial aid application."

Students become eligible for aid from federal and state agencies and from colleges by filing the U.S. Department of Education's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The form is available at no cost at www.fafsa.ed.gov or by calling (800) 433-3243.

People with questions or who need more information can contact Jennifer Larson, TSPA's financial aid administrator at (608) 781-8772, or via email at jenniferlarson@salonproacademy.com.

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Sue Kolve-Feehan opened The Salon Professional Academy in September, 2006. Located in Onalaska at 566 Theater Road, we train students to work in a professional salon environment. Part of their education is to provide services for the public. To learn more about the school, visit our website www.salonproacademy.com, or call (608) 783-7400.

News Release: Financial Aid Now Available - 10/26/09 - Download PDF

We had such a great time and learned so much at our educational event with  Michael Cole on September 21.

If you didn't have a chance to make it, you can benefit from his expertise by visiting his website - www.salondev.com

Stay tuned for our next event! 

TSPA enjoys a great working relationship with Riverfront - a local organization that provides training and services to help people with disabilities realize their dreams. Here's a great article about our most recent project. This story appeared in Riverfront's March 2009 newsletter. Reprinted with permission.

When Riverfront added a mini-hair styling salon to its day service program area last year, no one anticipated it would become one of the program’s most popular activities. In hindsight, perhaps it’s no surprise; who wouldn’t want to go to a place where you can feel pampered and pretty (or handsome), all while enjoying the camaraderie that is part of the salon experience?

One of the regulars at the salon is Brittany Beranek, a young woman who is willing to wait in line to get her hair styled. “They do a wonderful job,” Brittany complimented, “I wish I could come here more often!”

Hair styling is just one of the services offered in the 10’x12’ room; many come in for facials, manicures, and neck massages. The services are free, which of course is a value to those who use them, but the real benefits go beyond a nice hair style or manicure. Riverfront Recreation Specialist Kelly Porter says she’s noticed an increase in self esteem among the people who use the spa. She says even the men are starting to come in after lunch, and many will spend the afternoon showing everyone their new hair style. She says she’s also noticed one woman who rarely participates in any activity has begun to engage with others by coming to the spa and getting her nails done.

“No one doesn’t like it,” concurs Brittany, “[in fact] everybody loves it!”

With so many positive aspects to the spa, Riverfront would like to expand the service. Designs are in the works to re-locate to a larger area, one where more people can gather at once to take advantage of the social aspects of the salon. The designs include adding the capability to wash and cut hair.

The current spa was made possible by an event called Starry, Starry Night and by a handful of dedicated, generous people. Last year, Sue Kolve graciously agreed to host the Starry Night fundraising event at her Salon Professional Academy in Onalaska. She also provided consultation in the type of equipment needed for the spa.

The Salon Professional Academy will be the site of this year’s event as well and the funds raised will be used to expand the spa.

Funding is needed for a salon-style sink, some plumbing work, a reclining chair and a few incidentals such as towels and a laundry bin. Once the expansion is able to happen, Sue is willing to send some of her students to Riverfront to provide the haircuts.

Brittany says it would be wonderful to get her hair cut at Riverfront’s salon and then have everyone admire her new ‘do. Anyone who would like to make Britanny’s dream come true is invited to attend Starry, Starry Night.

Of course, WE already knew this, but the intelligent folks at U.S. News and World Report say that hairstylist/cosmetologist is one of the top 30 careers for 2009!

Read the whole story here!

Are you a hair stylist or cosmetologist looking for a new challenge? The Salon Professional Academy in Onalaska is currently hiring educators to help train our students to work in the top salons in the nation. You must be currently licensed in Wisconsin and have at least five years’ experience in the field. Submit your resume to: The Salon Professional Academy, 566 Theater Road, Onalaska , WI 54650 

Will you be relocatiing to the Onalaska area to attend TSPA and need a roomate? Or are you just looking for a good place to catch a quick lunch between classes? We wanted a vehicle for TSPA students - and potential students - to be able to connect with each other. That's why we created the "Message Board" on this website. Check it out and post your comments!

The TSPA Team