Lake County Times

The Ohio Senate has recently passed Senate Bill 104, sponsored by State Senator Jerry C. Cirino (R-Kirtland), aimed at enhancing the College Credit Plus Program (CCP) to broaden access and awareness among students. The program, which allows seventh through twelfth graders to earn high school and college credit simultaneously, has proven to be a vital tool for over 76,000 students during the academic year 2021, accumulating more than 650,000 credit hours.

Senator Cirino expressed his support for the program, stating, "The College Credit Plus program gives students an opportunity to earn college credits and makes college more affordable. Senate Bill 104 will allow more of Ohio's children to achieve the dream of earning a college degree and build successful futures."

The bill introduces several key enhancements to the CCP, including increasing access to CCP courses in high schools by expanding the number of high school teachers eligible to teach them through an alternative credentialing process. Additionally, students now have the opportunity to apply for the program twice a year, in April and November, providing more flexibility for participation.

Moreover, the bill establishes consistent CCP notification forms for parents, distributed by K-12 schools to enhance awareness of the program. It also mandates the Department of Education and Workforce to include information on whether public schools are meeting the requirement to inform and promote CCP on the state report card.

Furthermore, the legislation requires the development of a standardized orientation process for students entering the program, along with the obligation for universities and colleges to provide orientation to CCP students.

Senate Bill 104 received unanimous approval from both the Ohio Senate and the Senate Workforce and Higher Education Committee. The next phase for the bill involves consideration by the Ohio House of Representatives.