Cincinnati Public Schools is helping parents and students in grades 9-12 navigate the complex college process by providing a new online tool. It's called Connect! and it brings together high schools, students, parents, and colleges and universities in one location to help make the process of getting into college a lot easier for everyone involved.
Counselors are very excited about the program.
"Connect! gives us access to resources that have never been available before all in one place. It connects all the dots and builds a data bridge from high school to college," said Mosley, lead counselor for the district.
This Web site helps families make successful education and career choices by tying together the student's high school curriculum, college choices and career interests to set goals and plan for the future.
Parents and students can see actual data from their high school and use it to monitor progress toward college and career goals.
Mosley emphasized, "This Web site has the potential to raise the college aspiration levels of students by helping students think outside of the box. All the data — everything that they need — is right there for them. Instead of just applying to one or two colleges, students can just push a button and maybe apply to three or four."
"Financial aid is hard to navigate. The process can really wear a parent down," said Mosley.
She expounded, "With Connect! everything is at the touch of one button. Parents can go to a college web site, enter a few details, and the program will give a rough estimate of what they may have to pay for college."
The web site also walks parents through the financial process step-by-step and provides electronic transmissions of applications.
"Connect! helps to streamline the entire college application process and eliminate the stress," Mosley said.