IUSD middle and high school students began using CaliforniaColleges.edu as the official college and career search tool beginning this school year, replacing Naviance.

CaliforniaColleges.edu is the official career planning platform under the California College Guidance Initiative that works to smooth the path to college for California students and parents. This software provides similar resources and features to Naviance, but at no cost. IUSD is saving $65,076.20 from this switch, according to IUSD College and Career Readiness Counseling Coordinator Connie Jacobs.

“It also has new functions that make it easier for students and seems a little bit more intuitive to navigate,” counselor Kate West said.

CaliforniaColleges.edu allows students to view admission statistics, financial aid awarded and send transcripts to colleges directly through an autonomic syncing function. According to Jacobs, using this resource is entirely optional for students. Parents can opt out of sharing information with CaliforniaColleges.edu on the Data Confirmation form sent out every summer.

Even if students opt out of data sharing, they will be able to view the interesting inventories and career or major exploration tools offered. Middle school students and families are provided with lessons on financial aid and college and career resources to help them begin planning for college and career.

“One of the cool things about this program is that it spreads awareness about the vast range of jobs that are out there,” West said. “It gives students tools to explore different career and college options they think fits them best.”

To learn more about CaliforniaColleges.edu, visit www.californiacolleges.edu/learnmore/.