CLEVELAND, Ohio - High school students can take free college courses and earn credit through Ohio's College Credit Plus program, will begin its third academic year in August. Interested students must declare their intent to participate by April 1.

The state pays for the classes, with tuition rates negotiated with colleges. Some middle school students also participate. Students take college classes offered by any Ohio public college, or from any participating private college,at their high school, on campus, or online.

More than 52,000 students participated the first year, saving more than $120 million in tuition, said the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

Private school and homeschooled students can apply between Feb. 20 and April 15. They may send their letter of intent to participate to the Ohio Department of Education, 25 S. Front St., Columbus 43215.

College Credit Plus now includes a summer term. Credits earned by taking courses during the summer will be applied to students' high school and college transcripts during the fall. Students and parents should check the summer registration deadline for colleges.

"I encourage parents and students to talk about the opportunity College Credit Plus provides and how it fits into their academic plans," higher education Chancellor John Carey said in a statement. "The exploration should include talking to their guidance counselor and determining whether they are academically and socially ready."

For additional information on College Credit Plus, visit ohiohighered.org/ccp.

Our editors found this article on this site using Google and regenerated it for our readers.