Yesterday, the Toronto Star released part one of an investigative report on rogue private career colleges. These so-called academic institutions take students’ money in exchange for various certificates and diplomas, while providing students with little to no education or training.

Ontario’s ombudsman, André Marin, has criticized the province for not shutting down these colleges — thousands of which may exist, churning out incompetent graduates.

The first rogue college under fire was the Toronto-based Ontario Academy of Science & Technology, from which one undercover reporter managed to graduate from a personal support worker program for under $500 with just 15 days of training, a few hours spent watching instructional DVDs, and a phony resumé.

At first glance, it seems absurd that anyone would enroll in an institution like those found in the Toronto Star’s recent investigation.

The warning signs are obvious: the promise of graduation within mere weeks, assistance in fabricating references and experience and the schools’ lack of accreditation. Yet students do enroll, and for a myriad of reasons.

Unaccredited college operating scams such as these prey on the ignorant, the lazy and, sadly, the less fortunate of society.

For example, recent immigrants who may not have a grasp of the English language are often targets.

The unemployed and those in-between jobs are another group who may seek a quick-fix solution during a period of desperation. With mortgage bills, childcare payments and day-to-day expenses piling up for those affected by the recession, the promise of cheap, fast education is appealing.

The schooling provided through unaccredited colleges is often insufficient, leaving graduates unprepared for future jobs despite their supposed qualifications.

Not only do these scam colleges take advantage of those who enroll, but they may also give accredited colleges a bad reputation by association.

Moreover, an abundance of phony diplomas and unqualified graduates floating around could serve to undermine the credibility of a legitimate college diploma.

Even at Western, many of us are guilty of using university as a stepping-stone to a career and a salary. Many students would likely speed up their time in school if they could still leave with the same credentials.

Let this be a warning that education is a slow process for a reason — there’s often a lot to learn. Any program that boasts a quick-fix is likely to have the wrong idea about education in general.

Overall, it is shameful that schools such as the Ontario Academy of Science & Technology are taking advantage of disadvantaged individuals and cheating employers out of qualified workers.

However, what is even more shameful is that, so far, little has been done to eradicate these schools from the academic arena.