Efficient Forums

In my previous two blog posts regarding CBMS, I have articulated what I perceive to be the issues with CBMS. I have also suggested a solution that can quickly and cost effectively fix a major piece of the CBMS problem - the troubles related to the application process and front end of CBMS. Since the state contends that the back-end decision tables function as designed, fixing the front end may be all that is required, or not?

In two recent articles by Ann Imse in the Rocky Mountain News titled “Glitches take toll on real people” and “State Data Systems Get Some Glue,” Imse discusses many of the issues frustrating counties’ workers as well as people applying for benefits through CBMS. She writes, “For four years, Colorado’s welfare benefits computer system has been plagued with glitches - ones that are more than just an IT headache. The flaws are a throbbing migraine for the real people seeking help from the Colorado Benefits Management System.”

The articles by Imse are just two of the many other articles that have chronicled the problems with CBMS. So you might ask; “Why would any local software solutions provider want to throw their hat into the contentious CBMS ring?”

Well, the answer is simple. Efficient Forms can solve this problem quickly and cost effectively, and it helps people get the benefits they qualify for faster.

With Efficient Benefits Application Solution Service (eBASS) by Efficient Forms, everyone wins, from the state and the counties to the people seeking benefits and those who are not.

Our goal is to have the eBASS deployed this year, but it will take the counties, states and foundations to come together to help us, help them. Several counties and foundations are already interested in giving us a chance. That’s a good place to start.

For more context, read my previous two articles on this subject: Part 1 and Part 2.

With the college applications season over, the media is done writing again about the record number of rejection letters handed out by four year institutions (those are the thin envelopes). Look for virtually the same articles next year in April.

In a recent Wall Street Journal editorial by Naomi Schaefer Riley entitled “Not by Tuition Breaks Alone,” I was reminded that the college application process is tough for all students and nearly impossible to navigate for students without forceful, diligent parents (or other family members) and high school advocates.

The application process has become increasingly competitive, and with so many parts and pieces that need to come together for a student to put their best foot forward, it is easy to understand the high stress levels students feel through out the process. With researching schools, completing applications, writing essays, tracking down recommendation … and also keeping grades up, even the most organized students need a lot of help!

Now, imagine you are a well above average student living in a low income family. Your parent(s) are more worried about the family’s immediate needs, like putting food on the table, then worried if you go to college. Your high school counselors and teachers have all they can do dealing with discipline issues rather then take time to write a coherent recommendation letter.

Well, I don’t think you have to imagine too hard what you and most students would do in this situation … “Punt!”

Ms. Riley sites the recently released Chronicle of Higher Education study showing that the proportion of low-income students at the nation’s top colleges actually declined in the past couple of years, this even with the fact that many colleges have started using endowment income to offer free tuition to poor families.

Even though it may seem like “4th and long, going for it!” may be the best thing, there are people and organizations that can help. For example, the Denver Scholarship Foundation has dedicated counselors in Denver Public Schools specifically focused on helping kids in the “punt” situation. They assist with the application process and help with scholarships and other mechanics that are difficult for students to navigate on their own.

CollegeZapps is looking to help students as well as organizations like the Denver Scholarship Foundation who help students with the tedious, time consuming, and stressful college application process. Our interactive solution allows students to professionally complete the applications for many colleges in a very short period of time (less then one hour), and we hope that with the applications complete and a lot of encouragement, the rest of the process can become manageable for students. For organizations such as Denver Scholarship Foundation, we offer need-based discounts or potentially free use of our online application services.

CollegeZapps can’t change the college application process overnight, but at least we are trying to make it a bit easier for all students and level the playing field in this competitive process.