For the first time, AACS Annual Convention & Expo will be a virtual event. Join us October 27-29, 2020. More details to come!

Cheryl Fix is enrolled as a Massage Therapy student at Cortiva Institute in Maitland, FL.

She is asking U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy, U.S. Representative Val Demings, Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio to please not cut out her financial aid opportunities because without the financial assistance she would not have been able to attend Cortiva Institute. You can watch her story here. 

Encourage your students to record a short 30–60 second video that explains what their education means to them. Learn more about the #DontCutUsOut campaign here.

Reopening Guide

States are adjusting their phased openings based on new information daily. Stay updated with AACS’ Reopening Guide to help your schools and organization proceed with protocols to ensure the safety and health of your staff, instructors, students, and community. In addition to resources, it also includes a state-by-state list of reopening policies. Click on this link to find out more. 

Coronavirus Resource Center

AACS is here for you with a comprehensive coronavirus resource page that will be updated as new information comes in. Click here for updates from the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, Small Business Administration, U.S. Department of Education, accreditors, distance learning educators and more.

As a member benefit of The American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) you are eligible to receive our exclusive discounts at Office Depot® and OfficeMax® in-store and on-line.  
 

Access your Store Purchasing Card (SPC) and show the card to the cashier in-store at checkout and see your savings!  You can access the card in several ways:

1.       Download the Office Depot Business App (after online account is setup),

2.       Text AACSSPC to 833-602-8404 or,

3.       Visit this link

Recordings of webinars to help you operate your school in light of the pandemic and changing regulations are available to members only. 

Webinars to date are:

• Navigating Distance Education
• Understanding the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Grant
• CARES Act Relief for Schools
• Best Practices for Re-Opening Your School
• Coronavirus Legal Update
• Moving Beyond Awareness: Diversity & Inclusion in Cosmetology Schools
• Safety, Health, And PPE Virtual Training & Resources
• Optimizing Cash Flow: Ways to Increase On-time Payments & Decrease Delinquent Payments Part 1

If you would like the recording, email info@beautyschools.org. More will be available soon. Monitor your inbox for the latest information.

Additional FAQs are available regarding:

Navigating Distance Education

Prescription RX Card Benefit

With heightened concerns about our health, you and your staff, faculty and students may need some additional assistance with your prescriptions. Ask the AACS national office how you can download your prescription card, and potentially save up to 80% on your medications. There are no health restrictions, and may be used on drugs not covered in health plans. It may even be used on many pet prescriptions. The card is pre-activated and ready for use! For your copy, contact Cristina@beautyschools.org.

This benefit is for members only, and is accepted at more than 68,000 pharmacies nationwide.

Federal Updates

Updated deadlines for flexibilities related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Except where as noted, the Department is extending the deadline for all flexibilities related to the COVID-19 emergency through the end of the payment period that includes December 31, 2020 or the end of the payment period that includes the end date for the Federally-declared emergency related to COVID-19, whichever occurs later. We outlined the initial flexibilities in Electronic Announcements published on March 5, April 3, May 15, July 9, and July 10, 2020. Read more

State Update

No State Update this week.