Career and College Readiness

student in graduation gown holding graduation cap above her head Resources to inform and help students plan for their careers and college years, including high school graduation
requirements, college and work transitions, college applications, financial aid, career-technical education and other learning opportunities.

Career Tech

Career-tech inspires students to identify paths to future success and provides students opportunities to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary for high school graduation and beyond. Students learn through career exploration, taking college courses and earning industry credentials. They receive customized learning that aligns their passions and interests to their career aspirations.

Visit the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce website to learn more!

College Credit Plus

Ohio’s College Credit Plus can help students earn college and high school credits at the same time by taking college courses from community colleges or universities. The purpose of this program is to promote rigorous academic pursuits and to provide a wide variety of options to college-ready students. Taking a college course from a public college or university College Credit Plus is free. That means no cost for tuition, books or fees if you attend public school in the state of Ohio. If you choose to attend a private college or are homeschooled, you may have limited costs.

Visit the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce website to learn more about College Credit Plus.

Industry Recognized Credentials

High School students should see the relevance of their learning, be exposed to practical, real-world work settings and begin defining their futures. Career-focused learning can inspire students to identify their paths to future success. Connecting students to opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials puts them on a path to success after high school. Students who earn industry-recognized credentials are poised to directly enter the workplace or go on to two-year or four-year colleges. Industry-recognized credentials are an innovative approach to truly recognize and account for a student’s hard work in becoming career ready.

Approved List of Industry Recognized Credentials by Career Field

Secondary Transition and Workforce Development for Students with Disabilities

In Ohio, students with disabilities ages 14 or younger, if appropriate, formally enter into the secondary transition planning process. A truly successful transition process is the result of comprehensive planning that is driven by the student’s preferences, interests, needs, and strengths. This comprehensive planning moves students toward successful future outcomes in competitive, integrated employment, education, and independent living. See our Post-Secondary Transition page for additional information and resources.

Additional Resources

Employment Frist Effective Practices and Predictors Tools - OCALI

Ohio Age Appropriate Transition Assessment Library

2022-23 Southwest Ohio Industry Recognized Credential Information Fair

2023-24 Career Planning for Graduation and Beyond Virtual Series

For Families:
SAT and ACT Fee Waiver Eligibility
Financial Aid Information for Families
Ohio Resources for College and Career Planning
Understanding College and Post-Secondary Education Options
Career-Technical Education (CTE) Information for Families
Talking to Your Child's School Counselor About College and Career Planning

Contacts