Associated Press Published

Program Allowing College Counseling Via Texts Shows Promise

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West Virginia education officials have announced that a pilot project that provides college counseling via text messaging is producing promising results.

The News and Sentinel reports officials made the announcement Monday during a West Virginia Education Policy Commission meeting.

As part of the commission’s statewide College Foundation of West Virginia, students receive a series of text messages that can guide them through applying for financial aid, registering and preparing for college, and connecting with resources and advisers while on campus. Students can text back to receive counselor assistance.

Researchers from the University of Virginia say students from the high school class of 2014 who received the text reminders attempted a higher number of course credits, earned more credits and completed more courses during their first year of college.