Massachusetts College and Career Web Portal Sustaining Growth: A Conference on Student Success June 18, 2008 Heidi Guarino, Dept. of Elementary & Secondary Education Eileen O’Connor, Dept. of Higher Education

Today’s Presentation How Massachusetts is doing State efforts to increase college readiness How does a web portal work? Think Again campaign Success stories from North Carolina Progress to date Next steps Feedback and discussion

Massachusetts has a lot to be proud of... Leading the nation in many areas Making gains in our schools every year Some of the highest college-going rates in the country

... But more work needs to be done Achievement gaps start early and persist. Too many don’t graduate from high school. Too many need remedial help when they get to college Too many who enter college never graduate.

For every 10 ninth graders… We are Losing Too Many Along the “Educational Pipeline”

Only 8 graduate from high school… We are Losing Too Many Along the “Educational Pipeline”

Only 6 enroll in college… We are Losing Too Many Along the “Educational Pipeline”

Only 3 or 4 earn a degree We are Losing Too Many Along the “Educational Pipeline”

In urban areas, the numbers are worse: In 9 th grade High school graduates In college College graduates

By 2010, jobs requiring at least some postsecondary education will make up more than two thirds of new jobs in the United States. Source: Carnevale, Anthony P. and Donna M. Desrochers, Standards for What? The Economic Roots of K–16 Reform, Educational Testing Service, Tomorrow’s Jobs Require More Education

National Governor’s Association Grant In 2005, MA named one of 10 “honor states” NGA/Gates Foundation money Grant objectives $2 million over two years Collaboration between K12 and higher ed

Existing College and Career Readiness Programs Board of Ed increased state graduation requirement Recommended high school curriculum - MassCore Optional Algebra II exam School-to-College data project Think Again campaign Web portal for career and college planning

What is a Web Portal? Provides “one-stop shopping” Reliable and convenient source of information Simplifies application process - online Cost savings for high schools and colleges Enhances communication between guidance counselors, parents and students

How does it work? Middle school – individual student account High school coursework SAT and other test prep Research colleges, potential careers, areas of study Fill out FAFSA, apply for financial aid online Online college applications Electronic HS transcripts Redirector pool

“Think Again” Campaign

Next Step: Turn RSG Website Into MA Portal

CFNC.org: The “gold standard”

Web Portal Mission Statement The Massachusetts College and Career Web Portal will serve as a one-stop shopping site to provide students with the online tools they need to plan, prepare, research, apply to and pay for college. The site will play a key role in the Commonwealth’s efforts around college and career readiness and success.

All Stakeholders Would Benefit from Web Portal Students Parents Guidance Counselors Colleges Workforce Development

Spring 2007: Launched ReadySetGotoCollege.com and Think Again marketing campaign Summer 2007: Convened Steering Committee to develop mission, vision and outcomes for site Fall/Winter : Drafted business plan February 2008: Formalized partnership between MEFA, Department of Education and Board of Higher Education Spring 2008: Met with potential vendors, convened focus groups Efforts to date

Who is MEFA? Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority - Non-profit state agency - Serves students and families - Oversees UFund, UPlan - Issues low-cost education loans - Leading provider of college financing information

June 2008: Apply for federal College Access Challenge Grant (guarantee of $875,000/year for two years) Summer 2008: Finalize and post RFP Fall 2008: Select vendor Fall-Winter : Bring colleges and school districts on board, begin to build portal, develop marketing and promotional plans Spring 2009Launch Phase I of web portal Next Steps

Thoughts? Feedback?

How You Can Help For more information, or to help support the Massachusetts College and Career Portal, please contact: Heidi Guarino, Eileen O’Connor, Tom Murphy,