The Massachusetts College and Career Web Portal November 4, 2009

1. The Massachusetts College and Career Web Portal November 4, 2009

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

3. Your Plan for College Goals Increase access to information related to higher education and career opportunities for all students, especially those students who otherwise would not have access Provide easy to use Web-based tools for families, students and guidance counselors Simplify process for students, parents and counselors to explore and facilitate career and academic objectives Offer one comprehensive accessible free Web site for users Provide ability for students, parents and counselors to submit information electronically—college applications, transcripts, letters of recommendation, FASFA

4. How does Your Plan for College work? Student Information is loaded directly from high schools Student Information System (SIS) to portal to ensure data integrity Students continue process by registering and establishing student portfolios Your Plan for College provides the following tools over the course of implementation: Career and interest assessment High school course selection driven by college and career interest MCAS, SAT and other test preparation Research colleges and potential careers Fill out FAFSA, apply for financial aid online Online college applications that include transcripts, letters of recommendation and other supporting documentation

5. Pilot High School Program Twenty-two high schools have agreed to participate in a pilot program to assist with the development of Your Plan for College. The pilot high schools will test functionality, participate in focus groups to assist in evaluating the various features and provide guidance on Your Plan for College and also provide feedback to the development team.

6. Pilot High Schools Longmeadow High School MATCH Milford High School Monson High School North High School Salem High School Somerville High School South High Community School Stoneham High School Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Worcester Technical High School • Agawam High School • Bartlett Junior/Senior High School • Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School • Burncoat Senior High School • Central Catholic High School • City on a Hill Charter School • Claremont Academy • Clinton High School • Doherty Memorial High School • Everett High School • Holyoke High School

7. Implementation Phases Phase I – Fall 2009 Online matching tools for students’ college and career assessment Evaluating interests, skills, career and students’ post-secondary options Processing of online college applications Online student portfolios Online college profiles, campus tours

8. Implementation Phases Phase II – Fall/Winter, 2009 Financial Aid module for students to apply online including cost of attendance components, types of financial aid, local and national scholarship search and glossary of terms Administrative tools for guidance officers to assist with advising, analysis and reporting.

9. Implementation Phases Phase III – Winter 2010 • Test preparation • Directs students/families to information that tracks progress towards meeting state graduation requirements • Provide administrative tools to improve the advising process and analyze data about students and their postsecondary career plans • Career and college interests, skills, and inventory tools • Comprehensive resources for career pathways, occupations, and education and training • Employment resources during and after post secondary school