CPS Strong & the College Innovation Pathway (CIP)

A District-Wide College Pathway

The College Innovation Pathway (CIP) is now available district-wide to eligible CPS students, offering an innovative blend of high school and college coursework.

Students participating in CIP enjoy:

• Tuition-free college coursework through CCP
• Embedded CCP courses taught within the high school setting
• Dedicated academic advising and structured academic supports
• A clearly defined pathway toward an associate degree while earning a high school diploma

All CIP students will enroll in a minimum of three CCP embedded courses during their sophomore year. Junior and senior years are completed full-time on a University of Cincinnati campus, either UC Blue Ash (UCBA) and/or UC Uptown, while students remain enrolled in their CPS home school.

Eligibility & Application Criteria

To be considered for the College Innovation Pathway, students must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be a current 9th-grade CPS student who will enter 10th grade in the 2026–2027 school year
• Meet State of Ohio College Credit Plus eligibility, defined as:
  • A minimum 2.75 GPA with a B or higher in both Math and English, OR
  • A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
• Have scheduling capacity for at least three CCP embedded courses during the 2026–2027 academic year (virtual or on-site CCP courses may supplement embedded courses, as needed) 

Students must also commit to the program structure and maintain CCP academic standards throughout participation.

Degree Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the three-year College Innovation Pathway, students graduate with:

• A CPS high school diploma, and
• Either an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree from the University of Cincinnati

This powerful head start dramatically expands students’ postsecondary options, supporting seamless transition into bachelor’s degree programs or career pathways.

Support Every Step of the Way

You are not doing this alone! CPS School Counselors and UC Admissions representatives work closely with students and families throughout the application, enrollment, and transition process to ensure students are informed, prepared, and supported at every stage.

Ready to Learn More?

Interested students and families are encouraged to attend an information session and begin the application process when it opens on Monday, February 9, 2026. 

CIP Application: https://forms.gle/drATp5entXYGSyrTA

Automotive Application: https://forms.gle/Yef85TazRGx1ZE8FA

Information session(s):