IACS MISSION STATEMENT
Illinois Association of Cosmetology Schools (IACS) is an organization providing a collective voice for the beauty career arts & science industry; advocating positive state laws and rules for schools and licensed professionals.

HISTORY
The Illinois Association of Cosmetology Schools (IACS) is the only statewide association in Illinois whose membership consist of cosmetology, barber, esthetics and nail technology schools. Associate members include cosmetology, nail tech and esthetics teachers as well as suppliers and manufacturers of beauty products, textbook publishers and other industry partners.

Established approximately 50 years ago by a group of proprietary school owners, the organization has grown to represent 80 public and private schools, including community college and proprietary schools, individual teacher members and associate members such as suppliers and manufacturers.

Licensed as an approved sponsor of cosmetology/cosmetology teacher, nail technology/nail technology and esthetics/esthetic teacher continuing education by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation, IACS regularly offers quality cosmetology, nail technology and esthetics educational seminars for teachers. Although our focus is continuing education programs for educators and educational issues, we have been active in helping retain both state licensing and continuing professional education for cosmetologists and other allied professionals.

IACS not only promotes and supports quality cosmetology education for teachers, we have been leaders in developing educational opportunities for students of our member schools. Through legislation establishing internship placement in licensed salons promoted by IACS, students can spend the final portion of their school program in on-the-job training. Our annual statewide Career Fair and Student Competition continues to grow, with over 750 individuals, vendors and competitors in attendance at our 2008 event.

IACS has a long and successful history of legislative activism and advocacy on behalf of cosmetology, nail and esthetics schools, teachers and students. Since hiring a professional association manager and lobbyist over 25 years ago, IACS has promoted numerous pieces of legislation benefiting our member schools and students, and resisted legislation to the interests of our regular and associate members and students. (See a partial listing of legislative measures supported by IACS under IACS Works for YOU! file.). 

In Springfield, IACS is considered the “go to” organization for expertise when legislation affecting the cosmetology industry in Illinois is considered.  As a result, our member schools, teachers and students and the general public, are well-served by our legislative agenda and our ongoing presence in the Sate Capitol.

Illinois Association of Cosmetology Schools  225 E Cook Street   Springfield, IL 62704