AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Texas Education Agency has announced the selection of Boston-based education technology provider ConnectEDU as their partner in the development and deployment of the Online College and Career Preparation Resource Site. During the 82nd session of the Texas Legislature, lawmakers appropriated funds for the creation of a statewide online college and career readiness portal to provide online college preparation assistance to students, parents, and high school counselors. After an extensive and competitive open bidding process, the Texas Education Agency selected ConnectEDU to build, maintain and promote the portal to nearly 2.5 million middle and high school students throughout Texas.

The Online College and Career Preparation Resource Site, operating as Texas College & Career, will launch on August 29, 2012 and target an increase in the rate of K12 students transitioning to postsecondary education. The college and career planning tools will be available to students and families statewide at no cost and include unique resources designed especially for students who are more at-risk (such as foster care youth and English language learners). ConnectEDU has partnered with San Antonio-based Edvance Research to ensure the Sites alignment with research-based best practices and to grow awareness of the Sites availability through market engagement and training.

In 2010, ConnectEDU was selected by the Agency to develop and manage the states Online College Preparation Assistance Pilot Program. The Pilot targeted increased completion of essential college and career planning tasks throughout the lowest performing high schools. Armed with the Pilot Programs interactive tools and resources, these schools introduced college and career planning best practices to students and families in order to engage them in critical and early planning activities and increase their preparedness for postsecondary success. Texas College & Career will expand the reach of these critical exploration, planning, and portfolio development tools by making them available to all students and families and are available in both English and Spanish.

Were excited to again partner with ConnectEDU in Texas and are pleased to help bring this needed and comprehensive tool for both college and career planning to Texas students and their families, stated Donald Barfield, President of Edvance Research.

About ConnectEDU, Inc., http://www.connectedu.com

ConnectEDU is a technology company, founded and grounded in education, committed to transitioning 21st Century Learners on their pathways from school to college to career, helping them realize their potential, achieve a secure financial future, and ultimately connect to life's possibilities. ConnectEDU was created in 2002, by Craig Powell, an entrepreneur with a passion for ensuring that all students have access to the expertise needed to maximize their educational potential. Today, ConnectEDU is the world's largest education network, with nearly 20 million registered learners, over 4,000 educational institutions, and 130,000 employers.

About Edvance Research, http://www.edvanceresearch.com

Founded in 2005, Edvance Research, Inc. is a mission-driven, women and minority owned business, nationally recognized for innovative and trusted expertise in education. A proven leader, specializing in collaborative research and development, evaluation, project management, assessment, large scale initiatives, marketing, training and building capacity to use research, Edvance is committed to providing exceptional value to clients through outstanding quality and best practices. Edvance Research is headquartered in San Antonio with offices in Austin, Texas.

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New Texas College and Career Resource Site Contract Awarded by Texas Education Agency