College 101: Winter-Spring 2025

College 101 Winter-Spring 2025
The cover story of this issue of College 101 looks at how Bowling Green State University’s Life Design program helps students plan for what’s ahead.

What you’ll also read in this issue of College 101:

• How University of Cincinnati Students are Embracing Cooperative Education Programs: Cooperative education pairs students with employers so they can gain valuable, real-world experience. The University of Cincinnati pioneered the concept in 1906 and today offers one of the largest of such programs.

• Why Filling Out the FAFSA Matters: For students looking to determine how best to pay for their postsecondary education, completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is essential. Here’s what you need to know.

• Spice Up Your Semester With These Unusual Classes Offered at Ohio Schools: From analyzing Taylor Swift’s song lyrics to learning what zombies can teach us about life and death, these five colleges are among the many across Ohio offering some seriously cool elective classes.

• How One Student Overcame Self-Doubt to Achieve Success in Nursing: Nife Enis navigated many obstacles to reach her goal of becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. Today, she returns to the Apollo Career Center in Lima to help encourage others.

• How Bowling Green State University’s Life Design Program Helps Students: The northwest Ohio university embraced this innovative program developed at Stanford University as a way to help students become creative problem solvers with a sense of purpose.

Read the College 101 Winter-Spring 2025 issue.

Previous Issues

What you’ll also read in this issue of College 101:

• Beyond High School: How to Prepare for What's Next: Ohio has more opportunities for a postsecondary education than ever before. Here is what high school students and their parents need to think about, discuss and do to prepare. 

• How to Get Grants and Scholarships: The Ohio Department of Higher Education has a variety of programs that can aid your education.

• Learn About Options for Continuing Education: If you’re an adult seeking a credential or degree, the Ohio Department of Higher Education has a variety of programs that can help. 

• How Logan Eisenhart Achieved His Dream: The Aspire program was a springboard for the Ohioan, who earned a high school equivalency and is now a Family Nurse Practitioner and doctoral student of nursing practice.

• How the State Supports Those Who Serve: Military-connected students and their families can get help with available benefits and programs at an Ohio school with the Collegiate Purple Star designation

Read the College 101 Summer-Fall 2024 issue.

College 101 Winter-Spring 2024
The cover story of this issue of College 101 looks at regional campus across Ohio offer benefits beyond location. 

What you’ll also read in this issue of College 101:

• What Changes are Coming to the FAFSA: Here are the big changes coming to the 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid and why you’ll have an easier time with the updated form.

• How State Funding Made Campuses Safer: In 2021 and 2022, Ohio legislators earmarked millions of dollars to improve campus safety at public colleges and universities across the state. 

• Showcasing STEM at the Ohio State Fair: Colleges from across the state staged engaging demonstrations during the Ohio State Fair to show students that seeking a STEM education can be both rewarding and fun. 

• The Advantages of Regional College Campuses: Whether it’s proximity to home or unique programs and offerings tied to a specific location, here’s why attending one of Ohio’s regional college campuses might be right for you.

• How Technology is Changing Hands-On Learning: The Ohio Department of Higher Education’s Regionally Aligned Priorities in Delivering Skills grants help make technology a vital part of the eduction experience. 

Read the College 101 Winter-Spring 2024 Issue

College 101 Summer-Fall 2023
The cover story of this issue of College 101 looks at how the Choose Ohio First program supports Ohio students studying a STEM-related field in college. 

What you’ll also read in this issue of College 101:

• How to Earn College Credits While Still in High School: Free programs that reward academic rigor with credits toward postsecondary education provide high school students avenues to save time and money.

• Ohio Summer Programs Offer a Preview of Campus Living: Organizations across Ohio invite high school students to attend summer programs on a university campus. Each offers a glimpse of college living and a way to connect with peers. 

• How Choose Ohio First Supports College Students Earning STEM Degrees: The Choose Ohio First program awards scholarships to students studying a STEM-related field. It also helps universities and colleges across the state aid in their success.

• The Benefits of an Ohio Technical Center Education: Ohio Technical Centers offer high school graduates the opportunity for hands-on learning and the education to help them begin building a career in a variety of in-demand fields.

• How to Make the Most of Your Dorm Room Space: Residence Halls allow you to get creative when setting up your living area. We asked a professional organizer her advice for creating a fun and functional space.

Read the College 101 Summer-Fall 2023 Issue


College 101 Winter-Spring 2023
The cover story of this issue of College 101 looks at how, as traditional campus life returns, colleges are embracing new ways to reach and support students. 

What you’ll also read in this issue of College 101:

• Deciding What to Do After High School: The journey begins with a single step forward and a flexible plan that allows you to explore, experience and learn about what comes next.

• Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio’s 529 Plan: Ohio’s 529 plan is a tax-free way to set aside money for expenses related to education beyond high school. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions.  

• How Ohio’s Collegiate Purple Star Designation Helps Students: The program recognizes colleges that have resources in place to aid military members, veterans and their families.

• Ohio Colleges Attract Students with Campus Upgrades: From new living spaces and improved athletic facilities to expanded food options and innovation labs, outside-the-classroom offerings are improving the student experience.

• How Students Can Explore a Career in Cybersecurity: The nation faces a demand for cybersecurity professionals, and students can begin exploring the range of career options available before they leave high school.

Read the College 101 Winter-Spring 2023 Issue

College 101 Summer-Fall 2022
The cover story of this issue of College 101 looks at how, as traditional campus life returns, colleges are embracing new ways to reach and support students. 

What you’ll also read in this issue of College 101:

• Financing Your Education: Getting accepted to college is the first step, but it immediately raises questions about how to pay for it. Here is how to figure out what aid is available to you. 

• The Future Starts Now: Ohio’s College Credit Plus program gives students grades 7 through 12 the opportunity to complete valuable college coursework for free. 

• Building A Talent Pipeline: Ohio’s approach to workforce development connects students with the in-demand fields of the present and future, helping ensure the state has the educated workers that businesses need to thrive. 

• Skills Upgrade: Ohio’s TechCred program offers funding that helps businesses train employees and provides opportunity in an ever-changing technological world.

•  PLUS: Browse a guide to Ohio Colleges and Universities

Read the College 101 Summer-Fall 2022 Issue


College 101 Winter-Spring 2022
The cover story of this issue of College 101 looks at how changes brought on by the pandemic reshaped course offerings and the in-person student experience.

What you’ll also read in this issue of College 101:

• Funding Your Future: Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a vital first step toward achieving your college degree.

• Career Boost: Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities supports students with various needs by way of a program that dedicates counselors to campuses across the state.

•  Year By Year: College can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s much more manageable if you break it down into steps throughout your high school career.

• The Social Scene: The popular social media platforms Instagram and TikTok give colleges a way to show what it’s like to be a student there.

• PLUS: Browse a guide to Ohio Colleges and Universities

Read the College 101 Winter-Spring 2022 Issue

College 101 is produced in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Higher Education.