S.B. No. 313 Summary

• Establishes the College Application Month program requiring Ohio public school districts to organize activities in October to encourage and assist grade 12 students in applying to at least one post-secondary education institution.

• Requires school districts to provide class time in English language arts for students to write college application letters and personal statements, computer lab time to complete applications, and distribute information packets about college and career options.

• Directs the Chancellor of Higher Education to develop minimum guidelines for the program, create student information packets, and collaborate with post-secondary institutions to waive application fees during October for participating students.

• Authorizes the Department of Education to cover application or registration fees for high-achieving and low-income students applying to apprenticeship programs or trade schools if those institutions do not waive fees.

• Amends sections 3314.03, 3326.11, and 3328.24 to incorporate the College Application Month program into requirements for community schools, STEM schools, and college-preparatory boarding schools.