1. Appalachia Students Have Access to Early College
Opportunities through Ready-Set-College
Rural Ohio College High School Expansion Made Possible by
AT&T Foundation Support
News Release
For Immediate Release
January 28, 2013
Contact: Julie Daubenmire, communications specialist, Battelle for Kids
jdaubenmire@BattelleforKids.org
614-481-3141 x111
Students in 13 school districts in the Ohio Appalachian Collaborative (OAC) will have access to
early college opportunities through the Rural Ohio College High School (ROCHS) in the 2013-
2014 school year, thanks to Ready-Set-College, an initiative made possible by a $40,000
contribution from the AT&T Foundation.
Through Ready-Set-College, students can access interactive and distance learning through
ROCHS, in the future giving them the opportunity to graduate from high school with an
associate degree or college junior standing.
―The AT&T Foundation, through Ready-Set-College, has given districts participating in the Rural
Ohio College High School the opportunity to share their experiences with the impact of a rural
early college high school,‖ said Kyle Newton, superintendent, Crooksville Exempted Village
School District. ―Too often our students from small rural schools are not afforded the same
opportunities as students in different zip codes. ROCHS plans to change that, and Ready-Set-
College has helped us start to get the word out.‖
―As a community, we can make no greater investment than one in the education of Ohio's future
leaders,‖ said State Senator Troy Balderson (R–Zanesville). ―The work of Ready-Set-College is
to be commended, as it keeps our high school youth on track for graduation while preparing
them for success in college and the workforce. My hope is always that they will find that success
right here in Southeast Ohio.‖
ROCHS was established in 2012 as a collaborative of three districts in southeast Ohio—
Crooksville EVSD (Perry County), Morgan Local (Morgan County), and New Lexington City
(Perry County)—to create the first early college high school that does not center on a brick and
mortar school building. This partnership breaks down geographical barriers that often prevent
students in Appalachia from accessing early college opportunities, and creates a culture of
Ready-Set-College Press Release
©2013, Battelle for Kids, with support from the AT&T Foundation 1

2. acceleration and college-readiness that allows students to complete college coursework by the
time they graduate from high school.
―Keeping our teenagers in high school and preparing them for success after graduation benefits
our students and our communities,‖ said B.J. Smith, director of external affairs, AT&T Ohio.
―Ready-Set-College takes advantage of a proven early college strategy to help students in
Appalachia Ohio succeed academically and graduate prepared for success in higher
education. We are proud to support this program.‖
Ready-Set-College expands early college opportunities to students in 13 OAC districts. The
following OAC districts are becoming part of Ready-Set-College:
Batavia Local, Clermont County
Belpre City, Washington County
Bloom Vernon Local, Scioto County
East Muskingum Local, Muskingum County
Franklin Local, Muskingum County
Maysville Local, Muskingum County
Mid-East Career & Technology Center, Muskingum County
Noble Local, Noble County
Northern Local, Perry County
Rolling Hills Local, Guernsey County
Southern Local, Perry County
West Muskingum Local, Muskingum County
Wolf Creek Local, Washington County
The OAC is made up of 21 Appalachian school districts, serving more than 34,000 students,
working to strengthen teaching and ensure all students graduate ready for college and careers.
To learn more, visit www.BattelleforKids.org/ohio/oac.
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Ready-Set-College Press Release
©2013, Battelle for Kids, with support from the AT&T Foundation 2